Worcester Diocesan Youth

Welcoming Young People

2012-01-18T02:26:00.000-08:00

I had a great session with some churches last night looking at welcoming children, young people and families to churches and Kat Witham of the Church of England Youth Council has some more useful insights here.

Rock the Cathedral Gloucester on FRIDAY 16th March 2012

2012-01-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

As I told you last term, people from other Gloucester diocese loved our idea of Rock the Cathedral so much that they’ve decided to do one too.

After a change of date (due to BBC filming) the event will now be on FRIDAY 16th March

Members of Worcester CandY Youth and Young Adults Councils will be helping out on the night.

Some of our schools will be running coaches down to Gloucester and there’ll be pizza on sale at the cathedral as well as bands, circus skills, an acoustic café, a gallery area of all kinds of activities, a homeless street display and much more!

Watch out for fliers about: Rock the Cathedral Gloucester on FRIDAY 16th March 2012.

Youthwork Summit

2012-01-13T05:21:00.001-08:00

The Youthwork Summit is moving to a new annual slot in MAY for 2012 so look out for more publicity about that in our next mailing and on the blog.

I’ve had the joy of being part of the summit both at Manchester this year and in London last year. I will be going again to The Youthwork Summit 2012 in London on SATURDAY 17th May.

It’s an essential day for youth workers at every level from every part of the UK so I am happy to be able to offer FIVE FREE TICKETS to the first FIVE people from the Worcester Diocese churches getting in touch about this event (limit of one free ticket per parish/church).

CandY at Synod

2012-01-13T05:20:00.001-08:00

The children, young people and young adults of CandY invite all those aged 6-17 Saturday 10th March from 9.30am-3.30pm at OldSwinford Hospital School DY8 1QX.

The adult synod will be talking about Inclusion and the Anglican Methodist covenant.

We at CandY will be doing that too but also having fun, games and crafts together with the Chair of the National Church of England Youth Council, Kat Witham.

Tryangle awards

2012-01-13T05:19:00.000-08:00

WCVYS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WORCESTERSHIRE YOUTH SERVICE ARE LAUNCHING THE 2012 TRYANGLE AWARDS

You’ve got until Friday 17th February 2012 to send in your nominations for a Tryangle Award. There are eight award categories. See the Tryangle Awards leaflet and make your nominations.

The Awards Evening is being held at Worcester Warriors Rugby Club on Thursday 29th March 2012. Just take a moment to look around you or pause for that moment’s thought and identify that young person whose efforts, skills or perseverance merits that Award. Nominate now.For further details contact Phil Street on 07540 031 953 or email phil (at)wcvys.co.uk.

News from the Pews

2012-01-13T05:18:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be good to have some updates from some of the work in parishes around the diocese to give you ideas and encouragement. This term we’ve got news from Bromsgrove.

Lis Bereen from Bromsgrove tells us about how their youth group looked like it might fold and what they did in response:

“Following a meeting with the minister we took some time out to regroup and get more staff and we now have a team that is twelve strong. We have divided into teams for Creative and Media, Sport, Craft and Cookery nights and that seems to be working well although there is always a bit of crossover. Last summer the "chill-out" room had a complete makeover with input from members (your suggestion partly) and is now tastefully decorated with comfortable furniture, a carpet and a large flat-screen TV with x-box. This room is a useful multi-purpose room for other groups.

There was a lot of talk (and anxiety) about how to attract new members but I was confident that if we put on an attractive programme this would build organically. And build it did. We went from 5 to 20 in a short space of time. We currently have more girls than boys which is an easier dynamic in the group. We have kept going over the summer with regular Sunday games in the park which has been well attended by staff and members. *The training you gave us has been very helpful and I have seen leaders' confidence and competence grow steadily. The leader who heads up the team with me has been on maternity leave but now her son is 3 months old she is returning to youth group. We are delighted as she has been much missed. She has still been involved with the admin side all along.

Our two peer leaders will both be at University from October but will still join us in the holidays. We have two new 16 year olds who we hope will take on this role (one male one female) and a 20 year old female student who has already proved her worth during the summer holidays and who is joining the sports team. She is doing this as a placement as part of her college course in Access to Social Work.”

Positive for Youth

2012-01-13T05:17:00.000-08:00

The Government has just launched its Positive for Youth campaign. The national Church of England Youth Council will be bringing something out to link in with this soon.

The Key

2012-01-13T05:14:00.001-08:00

A reminder about our course for those about to start, or new to, youth work or children’s work in churches.

Emma and I will be running The Key for 6 weeks on Wednesday evenings from 25th April - 30th May, or alternatively on two full day Saturdays 12th and 26th May.

The Key is an interactive learning experience full of games, quizzes, reflections, ideas, practical advice, helpful tips, and the hope is that The Key will act as a pathway to training and development.

Please complete the booking form on our website if you want a space on this popular course.

Child Protection Training Sessions 2012

2012-01-13T05:13:00.000-08:00

Here are the dates and approximate locations of this year’s child protection training events.
WORCESTER The Old Palace, Wednesday 15th February 10.30am - 12.30pm DAYTIMESTOURBRIDGE Lye & Stambermill, Christ Church hall, Monday 12th March 7.00 –9.00pmEVESHAM Church House, Tuesday 1st May 7.00-9.00pm
REDDITCH St Peter’s Church Centre, Ipsley, Tuesday 31st May 7.00-9.00pm
WORCESTER The Old Palace, Abbots Kitchen, Monday 4th October 7.00-9.00pm
STOURPORT St Michaels & All Angels, Tuesday 20th November 10.30am - 12.30pm DAYTIME

If you would like to book places please contact Judy Baker 01905 732811 jbaker(at)cofe-worcester.org.uk

Resources

2012-01-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

For groups in the Worcester area, you might consider asking Worcester Action for Youth to help you with a session. They can offer all kinds of experts in crafts, creative arts workshops and sports. Check out their booklet for this term which is enclosed.

To make a booking you can contact the office on 01905 350550 Tuesdays 10am - 2pm Thursdays 10am - 2pm. Worcester Action for Youth, The Old Scout Hut, Medway Road, Worcester, WR5 1LN Email info(at)wayworcester.org or visit their Website .

The National Church is offering some really good resources at the moment, One of these is the Going 4 Growth website which is regularly updated with useful things and includes things linked into the Olympics if you want to do some forward planning. They recommend Scripture Union’s Decathlon which will be in our resources library soon. They have also launched another great new resource called Worship Workshop which is now online. See the flier for this fabulous new resource for helping groups of children, young people and adults plan worship for schools and churches.

Chaplaincy

2012-01-13T05:07:00.000-08:00

On Thursday 26th January chaplains from secondary schools, FE colleges and local universities will again be gathering together as a network for support and resources.

Eighteen chaplains were able to attend the day in July and appreciated the chance to get new ideas and hear about the work of other chaplains.

If you are a chaplain to young people in a school, college or elsewhere let me know and we can welcome you to the group.

SpiritED Fund

2012-01-13T05:06:00.001-08:00

In the summer mailing I reminded you of our second round of the SpiritED fund. The successful bidders for round two were The Outer Limits group from Longdon who bid for £50 to buy Youth Bible Study Guides written by Chip and Helen Kendall and the Inspyre group from St Peter’s Ipsley who bid for £50 for resources to help them set up a new creative prayer space for young people.

TEENAGE PREGNANCY – A CHALLENGE FOR OUR CHURCHES

2012-01-13T04:53:00.001-08:00

A workshop for clergy and youth workers to raise awareness of the issues and look at ways we may address them in our parishes

Saturday 25th February 2012 from 9.30am to 3.30pmSt Michael’s Church, Stourport.

It is still the official common teaching of mainstream Christian Churches that sexual intercourse belongs within a monogamous heterosexual marriage. For one of every three teenagers, the church is therefore a place where they do not feel welcome as the perceived message is one of condemnation should they face difficulties in their sexual relationships. The church has a historical role in supporting those who face a problem pregnancy and yet, in handing over our ‘Moral Welfare’ services to the State in the 20th century, we appear to be failing teenage parents in our 21st century ministry.

Although the teenage pregnancy rate declined by 12% between 1998 and 2009, it is still unacceptably high compared to the rest of Europe. This workshop therefore looks at the problems we face through the perspective of our Christian values and examines practical strategies for our ministry to young people. We welcome clergy, youth workers and lay people working with young people or with a concern for their welfare. We will have the opportunity to share good practice, engage with others working in this field and strategies and materials available to support this work.

The workshop will be facilitated by The Revd Canon Jane Fraser, a Minister in Secular Employment in this Diocese working as a trainer and consultant in the field of sexuality education. She is a qualified social worker, the author of many sex education materials and has acted as Faith Advisor to the independent Advisory Group of the Teenage Pregnancy Unit.

To book a place please email; training@cofe-worcester.org.uk; or ring 01905 732812 with your name and contact details

Get set Go!

2012-01-11T07:08:00.000-08:00

For those of you thinking about doing something to fit in with the Olympics, why not check out:
SportMakers or More than Gold. Scripture Union also have a good book called Decathlon.

Remember the Olympic torch is coming to our area on 24th and 25th May and 30th June and 1st July .

Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) Dudley

2012-01-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

There is still £18,000 available to be allocated through the Youth Opportunities Fund in January and February 2012 for projects and activities designed by and with young people aged 13 - 19 (or up to 25 for those with disabilities) who live in the Dudley Borough.The panel have decided to hold further road shows for applications of up to £750 in January and February to allocate the remaining funding which would need to spent and the scrap books returned by 31st March 2011.
Booking
In order to book a place to see the panel please contact the main youth service office on 01384 815173.
The next 2 dates which young people can meet with the panel are:
Monday 30th January - Venue to be confirmed - for projects that benefit young people in Stourbridge and Halesowen areas.
Saturday 11th February - Coseley Youth Centre for projects that benefit young people in Dudley North and Dudley Central areas.

For more details see their site

TIME TO GET QUALIFIED

2011-12-08T02:13:00.001-08:00

From January 2012 WCVYS is offering a Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice.

The qualification is part taught, but mainly work based. WCVYS seeks to recruit 24 participants who will have to produce a portfolio of evidence of their work in their clubs and organisations.

The qualification is aimed at volunteers and paid staff working in the voluntary youth sector in Worcestershire.

The qualification will cost £101 to anyone from a WCVYS member organisations.

It will result in a Level 2 ABC Awarding Body qualification and the taught elements will be delivered at Droitwich Youth House.
The qualification includes six units:
Understanding Youth Work
Safeguarding Young People
Health and Safety
Provision of Information
Youth Work Principles, Knowledge and Skills
Designing and delivering peer education

Please see the attached information for full details.

Anyone that wishes to find out more should email Phil Street at phil@wcvys.co.uk

Youth and Mental Health issues

2011-12-01T09:40:00.001-08:00

Worth watching this video then head over to young minds website to read the manifesto.

Tryangle Awards 2012

2011-12-01T09:30:00.001-08:00

WCVYS in partnership with Worcestershire Youth Service are launching the

THE 2012 TRYANGLE AWARDS

CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENT- NOMINATE A YOUNG PERSON FOR A TRYANGLE AWARD

Young people do some remarkable things and too often this goes without recognition. Tryangle Awards are for young people who have achieved, but their achievement has gone unnoticed. Those unsung heroes who get on with life and face the odds, never receiving acclaim or credit.

We’d like you to put forward a young person or group of young people who you believe deserve to have their accomplishment celebrated.

You’ve got until Friday 17th February 2012 to send in your nominations for a Tryangle Award. There are eight award categories, so come on and take a look at the Tryangle Awards brochure and make your nominations.

The Awards Evening is being held at Worcester Warriors Rugby Club on Thursday 29th March 2012.

Just take a moment to look around you or pause for that moment’s thought and identify that young person whose efforts, skills or perseverance merits that Award. Nominate now.

For further details contact Phil Street on email phil@wcvys.co.uk

Funding Sources

2011-11-30T02:35:00.001-08:00

UnLtd - Live UnLtd
Financial assistance is available to young people between the ages of 11 and 21 who live in the UK for innovative projects that create a positive change within their community. Projects can help anyone working in music, sport, arts or traditional business to change the world around them for the better.

Maximum Value: £ 5,000Average Value: £ 1,500

Successful applicants will receive the following: A cash grant of up to £5,000. The average grant is £1,500. Tailored support for one year from a development manager. Training opportunities.

The Live UnLtd programme is part-funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Millennium Awards Trust and Comic Relief. Funding is intended to help young people start up their own businesses, sports teams, recreational groups and host events. They will also receive non-financial support from a designated development manager in their region.

Applicants can be between 11 and 21 years of age and must live in the UK.Applicants can apply as individuals or as a group with a lead individual, and must have an original idea.

Grants can be used for any purpose that helps the project in the long run.Examples of eligible activities include: Buying equipment. Producing promotional materials. Renting a space to work in. Insurance. Printing. Equipment Hire. Volunteer expenses. Travel (within the UK). Materials. IT equipment. Business start-up fees. Registration fees.Match Funding RestrictionsMatch funding is not a specified requirement for this scheme.RestrictionsThe following are not eligible for funding: Top up funding for an existing project. Formal academic qualifications. Payment of loss of earnings, payment for time, or other costs leading to personal financial gain. Payment for someone else to run the project. An award may be used to pay other people (such as a facilitator, or volunteer travel) however these costs should not be the entire budget.Training costs will be considered only if they are directly related to carrying out the project.

Funding will be paid in instalments into the bank account of either the applicant or a parent/guardian.

Applicants must first fill in the enquiry form available on the Live UnLtd website, and a response will be received by applicants within three working days.Applicants can expect to wait between four and seven weeks from making a full application to receiving a final decision.Addresses and contactsFor further information on how to obtain this funding opportunity locally, please contact the following:Contact details: Enquiries UnLtd 123 Whitecross Street Islington London EC1Y 8JJ

Laing Family Trusts

The Trusts support a diverse range of charitable purposes in the UK. The Trusts fund work that advances the Christian faith and its values, and the relief of poverty in the broadest sense.

Minimum Employees: 2
Funding varied between Trusts. Together, the Laing Family Trusts award a substantial number of grants each year. Most grants are for less than £5,000. These grants are awarded on a monthly basis. More substantial grants, above £5,000, are also available, but are awarded at biannual Trustees' meetings.

The Beatrice Laing Trust specifies that the following types of funding are available: Modest annual grants towards the core costs of selected national organisations working in the Trust's areas of interest. Small capital grants to local organisations working to relieve poverty in their local communities. Larger one-off or recurring project-based grants.

The Trusts support a diverse range of charitable purposes in the UK. The Trusts fund work that advances the Christian faith and its values, and the relief of poverty in the broadest sense.

Applications may be made at any time

The Trusts support registered charities and other charitable organisations in the UK.

The Trusts generally favour capital or project funding over revenue funding.

The Trusts are not able to provide support for: individuals seeking assistance with educational costs, overseas travel or medical costs; sponsorship appeals; the individual needs of volunteers; conference costs or overseas exchange programmes; children's summer holiday or activity projects; church restoration or repair.Grants are rarely made towards the running costs of local organisations.

Applications to the Trusts should be by letter, giving details of the project, its total cost, and the amount already raised. Applications should include a copy of the applicant's annual report and accounts.

Applicants should only send one application, which will be put to all three Trusts.

Each application should be simple and straightforward.

Addresses and contactsFor further information on how to obtain this funding opportunity locally, please contact the following:Contact details: The Administrator The Laing Family Foundation Laing Family Trusts 33 Bunns Lane Mill Hill London NW7 2DX Telephone: (020) 8238 8890

Common Assessment Training online

2011-11-21T06:34:00.001-08:00

CAF e-Learning

The e-learning package will give you an excellent overview of the Common Assessment process and is an introduction for professionals to the concept of the Common Assessment Framework . It is important to complete the e-learning package prior to attending any of the Common Assessment training modules.

Funding Opportunities

2011-11-21T05:13:00.001-08:00

Tesco Charity Trust:
Trustees meet 3 times a year, apply anytime
Size of grant available: One off large grants £4,000-£25,000
Aims and outcomes of funder: Projects addressing welfare/education of children, elderly people’s welfare and adults/children with disabilitiesAdditional information: Support for organisations in locations where Tesco have stores with grants for practical equipment and resources.

CLA Charitable Trust:
Apply anytime
Size of grant available: Average grants £2,500
Aims and outcomes of funder: Provide facilities for disabled people to take part in country sports/recreation and training in agriculture/horticulture

Additional information: Also promotes education in the countryside for disadvantaged children and young people. Will only fund specific projects or capital expenditure – no support for on-going running costs.

Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust:
No deadlines, apply anytime in writing
Size of grant available: £500-£2,500
Aims and outcomes of funder: Support for organisations working with children and disadvantaged people
Additional information: There are 3 themes – arts/culture, community integration work and education/training

Contact details: Susan Anderson,
Rokesley, University of Birmingham, Bristol Rd, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6QF

Owen Highway Trust:
Apply anytime, no deadlines
Size of grant available: Up to £5,000
Aims and outcomes of funder: Main priorities are support for organisations running children’s projects, the arts and education

Additional information: Preference for organisations based in the West Midlands
Contact details: R. Baggott, Rubery Owen Holdings Ltd, PO Box 10, Booth St, Darlaston, Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 8JD

Redditch Stronger Community Grants
See website for details.

Places People Play - Protecting Playing Fields
Application Deadline: 12 December 2011
Grants are available to organisations for capital projects which develop, improve and sustain playing fields for communities.
Maximum Value: £ 50,000
Minimum Value: £ 20,000

Sport England have launched the Places People Play programme to create a legacy of participation for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, investing £10 million of National Lottery funding in community sports projects over three years from 2011-2014.The Protecting Playing Fields (PFF) scheme will fund capital projects to establish, develop and improve playing fields for community and sporting use.Successful projects will evidence the future management, maintenance and sporting use of the site with protection of the site for at least 25 years.

Latest InformationThe second round will open on 24 October and close on 12 December 2011.

Eligible organisations are those entitled to receive public funding including: Voluntary or community organisations. Local authorities. Sports clubs. Playing field associations. Charities. Education establishments.

Conditions apply .

Applications must be submitted online.

The National Hockey Foundation
The Foundation aims to encourage the development and growth of hockey by providing capital and operational funding to the sport through clubs and educational establishments in England and by support to England Hockey's youth development activities.

There is no limit on the amount of funding an organisation can request. However, the Foundation does not generally award grants for less than £10,000 or more than £75,000.

Awards for Young Musicians
Application Deadline: 23 March 2012
The charity supports the UK's most talented young instrumentalists aged five to 17 years of age who, because of financial need, may be prevented from fulfilling their creative potential. The charity assists musically-gifted children in families, where income is limited, to help develop potential.

Grants of between £200 and £2,000 are available, based on evidence of musical talent and financial need.Award payments are made to institutions, music organisations, music teachers and other suppliers. Awards are not made directly to students or their families.All applications are means tested.

Awards for Young Musicians (AYM) is a registered charity. The organisation is the outcome of one man's consuming interest in music: Robert Lewin was a musician and musical instrument collector whose enthusiasm and passion for stringed instruments led him to accumulate a collection of instruments and bows of extraordinary quality.When Robert Lewin died, he expressed the wish that the gradual disposal of his legacy of valuable musical instruments and memorabilia would provide a source of scholarships for music students. With the encouragement and help of Eleanor Warren, former head of BBC Radio 3 and widely acknowledged international adjudicator, the charity was established in 1998.AYM supports the UK's most talented young instrumentalists aged five to 17, who, because of financial need, may be prevented from fulfilling their creative potential. AYM assists musically gifted children in families where income is limited to help develop potential.

Beaufort House Trust

Support is given to schools, colleges, universities or other charitable bodies engaged in the advancement, promotion and furtherance of education, religion or any other charitable purposes.

Grants range from £100 to £5,000 and are normally made in the form of a single payment.

Support is given to schools, colleges, universities or other charitable bodies engaged in the advancement, promotion and furtherance of education, religion or any other charitable purposes.

Registered charities, schools, colleges and universities are eligible to apply.

Grants will be considered in response to appeals in support of schools, colleges, universities or other charitable bodies engaged in the advancement, promotion and furtherance of education, religion or any other charitable purposes.Ministry Bursary Awards are open to those engaged in full-time stipendiary ministry in a Christian church, whether clerical or lay person. The Awards aim to provide a grant towards the pursuit of a work-related line of enquiry, build on established foundations of study outside the pressures of a demanding ministry or investigate lines of research both in the UK and abroad. Successful previous applicants have used their awards to help fund a variety of projects including travel, study courses and pilgrimages, as well as periods of reflection and retreat.

Match Funding RestrictionsMay be used within a total funding package.

RestrictionsThe Trustees do not make grants to charities with political associations, or to national charities. Nor will appeals from individuals be considered.

Applications can be submitted at any time.

For further information on how to obtain this funding opportunity locally, please contact the following:Contact details: Allchurches Trust Limited Beaufort House Brunswick Road Gloucester GL1 1JZ

Countess of Munster Musical Trust

Application Deadline: 14 February 2013
The chief focus of the Trust is on the provision of grants to support music students throughout advanced training. Past beneficiaries may also apply for interest-free loans for the purchase of musical instruments. A sponsorship scheme is also available to help talented beneficiaries.
No minimum or maximum levels of grant funding have been specified.

The Trustees decide the value of grant following an audition.

Grants are not made for longer than one year at a time.

Loans for Instrument PurchaseA limited amount of the Trust's fund is set aside to assist young professional musicians with the purchase of new instruments.Such assistance is offered in the form of an interest-free loan, repayable over periods varying from five to 12 years.Stephen Oliver AwardOne award is available biennially to cover some of the costs of bringing a piece of work, that is being written for musical theatre, to performance.

The chief focus of the Trust is on the provision of grants to support music students throughout advanced training. Past beneficiaries may also apply for interest-free loans for the purchase of musical instruments. A sponsorship scheme is also available to help talented beneficiaries.

All applicants must be of British or British Commonwealth nationality.

Study grants are available to: instrumentalists, conductors and composers over 18 and under 25 years of age; and singers over 18 and under 28 years of age.

Applicants should fall within one of the following categories: British postgraduate students undertaking study at home or abroad. Commonwealth postgraduate students undertaking study in the UK.

Travellers' Aid Trust - The Violet Clegg Fund

Small grants are available to Travellers and Gypsies in the UK.

Grants are available to relieve exceptional hardship being experienced by individuals, or to bring benefit to Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Maximum Value: £ 250

The Travellers' Aid Trust is a self-administering charity established in 1988. It benefits Travellers - people who adopt, either temporarily or permanently, a nomadic lifestyle.The two main objectives of the charity are: The relief of poverty, hardship, sickness and distress among Travellers. The advancement of education among the children of Travellers by attendance at school or otherwise.The scheme is intended to benefit individual Travellers and their communities by helping overcome hardship.

Applications may be made at any time.Key CriteriaThis grant programme is specifically aimed at members of the Gypsy and Traveller community in the UK, whether traditional or new, settled or living on the road. It is intended to benefit individual Travellers, but applications from small groups of Travellers and organisations that benefit Travellers will also be considered, especially when they are of benefit to a community.Applications must be supported by an independent professional referee, such as a health visitor, doctor, teacher, social worker, Traveller Liaison Officer or outreach worker who knows the applicant.

Grants can either be for a specific purpose/item or for meeting the overall costs of such a purpose or item.Category One grants are those that are of benefit to Gypsies and Travellers who are experiencing exceptional hardship. Exceptional hardship is a situation that goes beyond the general hardship experienced by the Gypsy and Traveller community on a day-to-day basis. Examples of this might be repair costs for damage or loss caused by fire, relief for individuals suffering from severe ill health or disability, children with special needs, or families experiencing domestic violence.Category Two grants are those that are of benefit to a community. Examples of this might be exchange trips between residents on different sites, improving or providing safe play areas or equipment or other activities that are of general benefit to members of a community.The examples given above are an indication of what the Trust might fund, and do not represent any restrictions on what the Trust will consider. The Trust will consider a broad range of purposes providing their grant will remedy a hardship, or benefit the community.

Match funding is not a requirement.

If an applicant already receives state benefits which relate to the application, it is important to show the Trust why they are insufficient.RestrictionsThe Trust will consider applications for a wide range of needs, but will not normally support applications for things that can be funded elsewhere; for example, by statutory agencies or other charities. This includes things like Dyslexia, Disability or Sickness benefits, Community Care grants etc.Although the Trustees are aware that many Gypsies and Travellers face general hardship, the Trust has only limited funds and must ensure that they benefit those most in need. General appeals for the following items will not normally be considered: Electrical appliances. Appeals for clothing and bedding. The cost of planning applications or meeting planning conditions. Laptop computers. Solar panels. Driving lessons. The cost of funerals or headstones.Payment ProcedureGrants will not be paid directly to individuals, but will be made by direct payment to the nominated supplier of identified goods or services, or through organisations or agencies that work with Gypsies and Travellers.

Applicants must complete the application and referee forms.

http://wessexyouthtrust.org.uk/

Wessex Youth Trust

Application Deadline: 01 May 2012

Funding is available for projects that provide opportunities to help support and advance young people. The Trust supports registered charities that work with young people.

There are no restrictions to the amount requested. Between 20 and 30 grants are awarded each year with the average grant being between £2,500 and £5,000.Grants are generally paid in one instalment, although there may be as many as five annual instalments in the case of more substantial grants.Extended DescriptionThe Wessex Youth Trust, formerly known as the Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust, is a regular grant making trust founded in June 1999.The Trust supports projects and initiatives which provide opportunities to help, support and advance young people.

There are two annual deadlines: 1 May and 1 November.

Applications are accepted from UK registered charities.Eligible ExpenditureFunding is available for projects that provide opportunities to help support and advance young people. Preference is given to pump-priming projects for development and more extensive fundraising initiatives. Specific project funding requests are preferred to more general pot-filling.

Applicants should state what other sources of funding have been sought and secured.

The Trust does not support charities whose accounts disclose substantial financial resources and which have well-established and ample fundraising capabilities. Nor is support given to the following: Political, industrial or commercial appeals.

Sponsorship for individuals undertaking fundraising activities on behalf of any charity. Organisations or groups whose main objects are to fund or support other charitable bodies. Research which could be eligible to receive substantial government funding, or where grants from a number of trusts are available.

The Trust does not accept invitations to appoint representatives to serve on the controlling bodies of organisations and objects to which charitable assistance has been given.Application ProcedureApplications must be made using the Trust's application form. This should be obtained directly from the Trust. Requests for application forms should be made by letter or telephone.

Online Application Details

Mental Health Training

2011-11-21T05:11:00.001-08:00

Midlands Centre for Youth Ministry

Continuing Professional and Ministerial Development Day

Wednesday 14^th December 2011 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Mental Health Guidance and strategies for supporting children and young people with mental health issues

· Understanding Mental Health. What makes us mentally healthy? What makes it difficult to maintain or improve mental health?

· Understanding and identifying issues surrounding mental health in children/young people.

· Developing strategies for children/youth workers to support those struggling with the issue

· Guidance for workers on how to build supportive peer networks

Alison Hogger

Alison Hogger is a former Mental Health Nurse also trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, a Therapy which addresses self- harm. She currently runs ‘Keeping Health in Mind’, a Christian mental health project with three aims: raising the profile of mental health, reducing stigma and reaching out in love. Keeping Health in Mind is a project which has arisen from the recognition of a growing need within our faith communities, that of learning about and talking about mental health difficulties. The project produces literature to help demystify mental health, runs 'The Life Course', a six week coping skills course, and is growing a Christian fellowship around issues of mental well being. Alongside this, Alison is training for Pioneer Ordained Ministry within the Church of England, at St Mellitus college in London.

Coffee from 10.00 am

Cost: £15 including lunch.

Booking Essential

Please book in advance by contacting:

Gill Benson, MCYM, St John’s College, Nottingham

Tel: 0115 9683222, Email mcym@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk

Olympics tickets for Schools

2011-11-21T05:03:00.001-08:00

Schools and colleges that apply to join the Get Setnetwork by 16 December 2011 are guaranteed an allocation of London2012 Ticketshare tickets to the Games*Join the Get Set network now!Just complete this application form and send it to getsetnetwork@london2012.com
* terms and conditions apply Get Set

Spring Into Action 2012 21st April

2011-10-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 21st April, we will again be offering you the chance to experience all kinds of different workshops, meet other children's and youth leaders, look at some fabulous resources and get recharged for all that you do with children and young people in our diocese (oh and eat some cake - these seemed to be very popular on our feedback forms!)

It will be 9.30-4.30pm at St Peter's Baptist church again.

Workshops and marketplace include: Boys to men Dealing with bereavement Spirituality of generation YStorytelling God Venture, Arise, Urban Saints and many more….

Entry only £5

*1st 2 tickets per parish 2 for the price of one!

Please bring your own lunch

SpiritED Fund

2011-10-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

As you will have read in the last mailing, St Mary’s Oldswinford, St John’s Greenland, St Matthew’s Worcester and St Mary’s Longdon Youth Choir (picture) bid successfully for some of our SpiritED fund. Did you miss out last time? Well it’s now our second round of SpiritED funding. SpiritED is a fund from the Department for Children Youth and Education in the Diocese of Worcester to encourage churches in the Diocese of Worcester to help those under 18 explore spirituality and prayer. If you are running a group with children and young people and want to add or improve the spiritual element of your work but need some help to resource that then this fund is for you! You can apply for up to £50 simple funding or £100 matched funding (if the children/young people raise their own money). See here for full details.

Chaplaincy

2011-10-17T07:30:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday 20th July chaplains from secondary schools, FE colleges and local universities got together to establish a network for support and resources. Eighteen chaplains were able to attend and it was a great day. One of the resources we explored were the fabulous playing cards from schoolswork.co.uk mentioned in the resources section. The group decided that we would meet in the future within our chaplaincy settings to get a real feel of what others are doing in the field. If you are a chaplain to young people in a school, college or elsewhere let me know and we can welcome you to the group.

Rock the Cathedral ON TOUR!

2011-10-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Another thing you and your young people could do is get ready for Rock the Cathedral in 2012 by getting involved in a sleep out. People from other dioceses loved our idea of Rock the Cathedral so much that they’ve decided to do one too. I’ve been talking with other Youth Officers from Gloucester and Hereford (Steve and Esther) and Gloucester are putting on Rock the Cathedral in early 2012 (Date TBC) in Gloucester Cathedral. The idea will be to have a Rock the Cathedral in Hereford after that and then back in Worcester! Gloucester are tying this in with a challenge to spend the night sleeping out during the Autumn term to raise money and awareness for a local homeless charity. So how about getting out some cardboard boxes and raising some money for St Paul’s Hostel or St Basil’s or another local homeless charity. I’ll be putting some further guidelines about this up on the website. If you make a video or take some photos of your sponsored event they might make it onto the big screen on the night. Some of our schools will be running coaches down to Gloucester and there’ll be a van outside the cathedral selling food. Inside the cathedral there’ll be bands, circus skills, an acoustic café, a gallery area of all kinds of activities, a homeless street display and much more! Watch out for fliers about Rock the Cathedral Gloucester 2012.

Kingdom People

2011-10-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

Along with the rest of the diocese, we’re hoping your youth groups will be thinking about LOVE, COMPASSION, JUSTICE and FREEDOM as part of the Kingdom People initiative launched by the 2020 Vision group with the postcards at the start of the summer. At the clergy conference, each church will be getting a resources pack including 4 sessions for youth groups which I have put together. I’ve written a session based on each value with some film clips, discussion points and prayers to help your young people get to grips with what the kingdom might look like in your church and community. If you have no idea what this is all about, check out the teaser trailer and info here.

Resources

2011-10-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to join lots of other Youth For Christ Trustees at one of the YFC Focus days in the summer and got some great deals on some of their new and older resources. The resource library is now a proud owner of all of the after school club kit Crux, RE resource exploRE, a few copies of Uncut, which is a discipleship course with an edge (especially good for those with no experience of church) and an upgraded The Art of Connecting which is a fantastic resource for helping young people share their faith with others.If you’re looking at the new term and wondering where to get some inspiration, how about the fabulous playing cards from schoolswork.co.uk? These are useable as normal playing cards but also contain icebreaking questions about you, others, the world and beliefs. I have a couple of sets to borrow and Emma also has some for the Primary school age. I also have a set of their artcards which use images created by young people to help you reflect on the meaning of life. Some of the images are fun and others are more challenging. There’s also a lesson pack to go with the art cards and ten ideas for using the playing cards which you can download from their website.

The Key: training

2011-10-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Early warning of a great course for those about to start, or new to, youthwork or children’s work in churches. Emma and I will be running The Key for 6 weeks on Wednesday evenings from 25th April - 30th May, or alternatively on two full day Saturdays 12th and 26th May. The Key is an interactive learning experience full of games, quizzes, reflections, ideas, practical advice, helpful tips, and the hope is that The Key will act as a pathway to further training and development.

CandY dates for 2011-2012

2011-10-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

Dates for the coming year:

Children only:

Saturday 12th November 2011 3.00pm - 4.30pm

Venue tbc

Church of England Youth Council

Friday 18th-Sunday 20th November(2 Worcester reps)

High Leigh conference centre, Herts

Young people & young adults only:

Monday 5th December 7.30pm

The Great Hall, The Old Palace,

Deansway, Worcester, WR1 2JE

Children only social:

Saturday 17th December 2011 3.00pm - 4.30pm Venue tbc

Young people & young adults only social:

Saturday 14th January 2012 Activity & Venue tbc

Children only:

Saturday 14th January 2012 3.00pm - 4.30pm Venue tbc

Children only:

Saturday 4th February 2012 3.00pm - 4.30pm Venue tbc

Young people & young adults only:

Monday 6th February 7.30pm

The Great Hall, The Old Palace,

Deansway, Worcester, WR1 2JE

Children and Youth:

Saturday 10th March 2012 FULL SYNOD: VISITORS WELCOME

9.30am - 4.30pm Venue tbc

Children only:

Saturday 28th April 2012 3.00pm - 4.30pm Venue tbc

Young people & young adults only:

Monday 21st May 7.30pm

The Great Hall, The Old Palace,

Deansway, Worcester, WR1 2JE

Young people & young adults only:

Monday 8th June 7.30pm

The Great Hall, The Old Palace,

Deansway, Worcester, WR1 2JE

Children’s Weekend away:

Saturday 23rd June 2012 - Sunday 24th June timings and venue tbc

2011-10-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE!

"INCREASING FAITH LITERACY IN YOUR COLLEGE"

Wednesday 16 November 2011

10.00-14.00 inc. lunch Venue tbc (Birmingham area)

Topics to include: The need for faith literacy

What is faith literacy?

The Student Union/Learner Voice contribution to interfaith relationships at college

Q and A session

Resources/tools to explore and experience

Further Details to follow.

Meanwhile, please save the date and pass on to any colleague whose work demands 'faith literacy'(e.g., student services managers, youth workers, equality and diversity officers, etc).

Workshop organised by the West Midlands Churches' Further Education Council

Contact: Andy Haynes, Development Officer on andy(at)breatheresource.org.uk

or Ian Jones, Director of the St. Peter's Saltley Trust on Director(at)SaltleyTrust.entadsl.com

Applications Now Open For Community Grants

2011-09-15T07:58:00.001-07:00

Round 8 of Worcestershire County Council's Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) grants is now open. This round of grants seeks applications from organisations which develop diversity in the community, provide community based activities for older people or are involved in the provision of community arts.

Celebrating Diversity A total of £7,000 is available for grants to help VCS organisations celebrate diversity through raising knowledge and understanding and encouraging interaction through a range of activities. The maximum to be applied for under this grant is £1,000.

First based Community Arts A total of £3,000 is available for grants to help VCS organisations to show how the arts can have a positive impact by bringing communities together and for communities to take an active and participatory role in the arts. The maximum to be applied for under this grant is £500.

Supporting Community Based Activities for Older People A total of £60,000 is available for grants to help voluntary and community sector organisations to provide activities to help meet the needs of older people in the community. The maximum to be applied for under this grant is £5,000.

The deadline for submitting applications is 4pm on Friday, October 28. For full details on how to apply for the grants.

2011-09-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

A campaign to make the UK’s 20 million Christmas trees a bit more meaningful this December has been launched. The campaign is in response to news that 46% of people say Jesus is irrelevant to their celebration of Christmas.

To help parents, grandparents and godparents communicate the Christmas story to the next generation, The Meaningful Chocolate Company has produced the UK's first ever interactive set of chocolate Fairtrade tree decorations, based on the characters of the Nativity story.

Each box of Meaningful Chocolate Tree Decorations contains a limited edition Christmas card, a sticker set and six hand wrapped, high quality, Fairtrade chocolate decorations. The Christmas story, which can be found on the card, enables adults or children to read the story while placing character stickers on the decorations. Once completed, the decorations can be hung on the tree as a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.
David Marshall, from The Meaningful Chocolate Company, said

"We estimate that most of the UK's 20 million Christmas trees don't have anything religious hung on them. The Meaningful Chocolate Tree Decorations are an opportunity to buy an interactive gift that allows the telling of the Christmas story at home. The card also includes and invitation for people to go to church to hear the Christmas story there. So, not only is it educational, it's also a piece of evangelism."

The Meaningful Christmas Tree Decorations cost £3.95. Church orders can be made through http://www.meaningfulchristmas.co.uk/ or exclusively from Traidcraft. Orders should be made by 14^th November 2011 as supplies are limited.

Christmas Welcome for Students

2011-09-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine what it would be like to be in a foreign country during a national holiday when everything closes and people are with their families? Could you share your Christmas with an international student? Two opportunities are below.

From University Chaplain Fiona Haworth:
Most home university students will leave around the 16December. Staying in the halls of residence during this time can be lonely and isolating.
Last year Fiona, the chaplain at Worcester Uni, was able to arrange for 23 students to spend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with families, and for 11 to go to a Christmas Day lunch at Bromyard Road Methodist Church. It was overwhelmingly successful for both students and hosts.

This Christmas we would like to offer more students the opportunity to experience a traditional British Christmas. A simple act of hospitality and kindness makes a huge difference to a student's experience of Britain and can lead to lasting friendships.

If you are able to offer a meal to two, or more, students, ideally on Christmas Day, or would just like to find out more, please get in touch with the Revd Dr Fiona Haworth.
Fiona can be contacted by email: f.haworth@worc.ac.uk Tel: 01905 542327

Stay-at-home Christmas?
Are you staying at home for Christmas? Would you open your home and share Christmas with a student from China, India, or some other part of the world, who would otherwise be stuck at an almost deserted UK university? HOST invites you to give Christmas, perhaps for the first time in their life, to someone who is a guest in this country, who would love to experience your way of life and make your stay-at-home Christmas special. HOST will match you with one or two guests to suit your household. More volunteer hosts are urgently needed for 1-3 days at Christmas, and weekends all year round. Please see http://www.hostuk.org

County Council funding

2011-09-14T05:59:00.001-07:00

Each Worcestershire County Councillor has £10,000 to give away to local groups and projects in their areas. The money is to be used to improve people's lives and so is available for a wide range of activities.
This information has been supplied by the Diocesan Commission for Social Responsibility.
Worcestershire Councillors' Divisional Fund Scheme
This scheme allocates each Worcestershire County Councillor £10,000 per year, from 1^st August 2011, to deploy for the benefit of their respective Divisions. It is intended that this money should be for the economic, social or environmental well-being of the Division, but there is a wide range of activities and services that can be supported.

It is important that this money should be used for the most deserving causes and, in consequence. While products and services may be purchased from commercial companies, they should be used for the benefit of the community as a whole or a group such as the Scouts, a sporting club or a charity or other voluntary group.

All the projects supported must conform to the Council's policies and the details of all grants made will published on the Council website, in accordance with the Council policy of transparency in financial dealings.
Cllr Hardman said: "The role of the local member is to lead their communities and this is a new and innovative way of embracing the principles of localism to support truly local initiatives.

"I believe that giving them control over how they support local projects will assist them in that role and will help ensure the funding support the County Council provides is directed at those groups and projects which need it most."

While the money is apportioned in twelve month periods, it does not have to be allocated all at the same time. Nevertheless it is likely that decisions will not be made early in the year for expensive projects, as other worthy ideas may arise in later months that might not otherwise be funded.

Information on the details of the Fund will be made available on the County's website soon, but I would be happy to hear now of any person or group that had ideas for this expenditure. While it is possible for Councillors to pool their allocation of funds for group projects, the relative isolation of the Tenbury Division leads me to expect that I will not be getting involved in such joint enterprises.

Please use the application and guidance note below. Also attached is a list of County Councillors.

Councillors' Divisional Fund Payment Request (27 KB)
A copy of the proforma to be filled in by members wishing to authorise payment
Worcestershire Councillors' Divisional Fund Scheme (53 KB)
A copy of the agreed Scheme itself
WCDF guidance notes

List of County Councillors

2011-09-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

Worcester Diocese Links Task Groups

Magdeburg, Morogoro and Peru

Invite You To

A Links Praise and Prayer Evening

With Representatives from our Link Dioceses

On Wednesday 21 September 2011

At 7.30pm

In the Great Hall at the Old Palace Worcester

Praise * News * Refreshments * Prayer

YFC job opportunity (Halesowen)

2011-09-07T03:15:00.000-07:00

Personnel Senior Manager
British Youth for Christ: is part of Youth for Christ International and exists to communicate the good news to young people in the UK through locally based youth work, missions and resourcing and equipping Churches in their youth ministry.As part of our senior management team you would be responsible for Personnel services at our Head Office in Halesowen and for providing Personnel advice and support for our Local Centres.

The role includes employee relations, employee pay and reward, performance management, recruitment and induction and Child Protection.You will have a CIPD or other relevant qualifications, experience in the Personnel function, excellent communication skills, be proactive, have the ability to build relationships at all levels and be highly motivated. The role would suit a Personnel Generalist who has a good understanding of employment law and of child protection and the ability to develop and deliver effective Personnel procedures and policies. You will be implementing strategy as well as dealing with every day matters.

Closing date: 30th September 2011
Interview date: 13th October 2011
Salary: £25,324 - £27,796 depending on ability

For further details contact HR on hr(at)yfc.co.uk for applications forms please contact Chris Nightingale email chris.nightingale(at)yfc.co.uk or phone 0121 502 9620.There is an occupation requirement that the role holder is a committed Christian in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.Due to the nature of this role a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure is required before a final job offer is made. A criminal record is not necessarily a bar to employment with us please see our policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders for more details

Summer Loving?

2011-08-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

If you’re thinking about talking about the summer riots with your youth group when you gather back, why not check out this pdf and powerpoint study guide from America about a girl who was turned in by her parents when they saw her in TV footage of a group attacking a police car. It explores right and wrong and relationships between parents and teens so could be an interesting session.

Child Poverty - Not in our backyard

2011-08-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 18th October the Halesowen Township sub group of the Network are hosting an event to highlight the complexity of child poverty in 2011, to hear about what is likely to happen in the near future and to hear about some of the excellent work that is going on in Dudley. We already have 70 people booked on, so register quickly to avoid disappointment. There are a few market place opportunities available too. For more information or to register click here. There is a National Social Mobility and Child Poverty reveiw currently taking place, if you would like to contribute, you can complete an online survey or download a copy to post.

Funding opportunities

2011-08-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

W A Cadbury Charitable Trust:
Next Trustees meeting in October 2011

Size of grant available: £10,000-£20,000 (20 grants awarded every 6 months - only registered charities can apply)

Aims and outcomes of funder: Wide funding remit for projects dealing with communities, vulnerable people, education/training, advice, mediation and counseling, environment/conservation, health/medical and the arts

Additional information: Grants are normally “one off” for core costs or development/project funding. See their Web Site

Carpenters Company Charitable Trust:
October 1st annually

Size of grant available: Standard grant £5,000 per annum up to 3 years

Aims and outcomes of funder: Provide support in three categories – children/youth, homeless people and the aged

Additional information: Only registered charities can apply. If successful grant cheque will be received by the end of December. See their Web Site.

Positive Activities Consultations

2011-08-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

Worcestershire County Council has less money than before and so changes need to be made to positive activities for young people. You might know this as the Youth Service. They have sent out the following

"We want to know what you think to make sure the money is used in the best possible way.

We are hoping that you can encourage as many young people, parents, carers and professionals from Worcestershire to complete this so the County Council can make decisions by listening to local people.

Please can promote and support your young people to attend the events at the following venues.

Tuesday 6th Sept
Churchill Community Centre, Loxley Avenue, Redditch, B98 9JL
4.00-6.00 pm

Wednesday 14th Sept
Ourside Youth Centre, Evesham, WR11 1BH
7.00-8.30 pm

Thursday 15th Sept
Rubery Youth Centre, Rubery, B45 9HY
7.00-8.30 pm

Saturday 17th Sept
Lakeview Room, County Hall, WR5 2NP
10.00 am -12.00

Monday 19th Sept
Woodrush Youth Centre, Woodrush, B47 5JN
7.00-8.30 pm

Tuesday 20th Sept
St John's Youth Centre, Worcester, WR2 4EL
7.00-8.30 pm

Thursday 22nd Sept
Café 27, Tenbury, WR15 8AE
4.00–5.30pm

Monday 26th Sept
Stourport Youth Centre, Stourport, DY13 8LA
7.00-8.30 pm

Wednesday 28th Sept
Warndon Community Centre, WR4 9NX
7.00-8.30 pm

Thursday 29th Sept
Riverside Youth Centre, Pershore, WR10 1QU
7.00-8.30 pm

The events will be run by young people from Worcestershire Youth Cabinet and Worcestershire United Kingdom Youth Parliament.

To book a place email Rachel Adams on radams2(at)worcestershire.gov.uk

Events for parents and carers to come and have a say run by Parent's Voice

Thursday 25th August
Perdiswell Young People's Leisure Club, Worcester
7.00-8.00 pm

To book a place email Rachel Adams on radams2(a)worcestershire.gov.uk

Events for professionals including paid staff /volunteers and young people from the voluntary sector to come and have a say run by Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Council for Voluntary Youth Services (WCVYS).

Saturday 17th Sept
Lakeview Room, County Hall, WR5 2NP
10.00 am -12.00

Dudley volunteer awards

2011-08-22T04:31:00.000-07:00

If you're working in the Dudley area and know someone who goes above and beyond to help others in a voluntary capacity, why not nominate them for a volunteer award?

Worcestershire County Council urges young people to have their say

2011-08-22T04:21:00.000-07:00

Worcestershire County Council is urging children and young people to get involved and have their say on the future of positive activities by 30 September, 2011.

Positive activities (also known as youth services) are defined as those which have a positive impact on health, social and educational wellbeing. These activities have been reviewed as part of the council's overall BOLD programme with the council needing to save an estimated £60-70 million over the next four years.

The council's legal duty, which is securing access to activities for children and young people, is met through the council's 'Plug and Play' website . The council has, however, already listened to local young people and residents' views and is now consulting on a proposal that whilst providing the saving of £1.4 million over 3 years, continues to provide around £1million annual investment in the activities themselves.

Young people, residents and anyone with an interest in these activities now have until September 30, 2011 to provide their views on a proposal which would see the council stop delivering a traditional youth service by 2014. Instead, from April 2012 arrangements could be made with local groups called Local Children's Partnerships (LCPs) which, informed by the views of local young people and residents, would commission services to meet local need.

The council is also asking for views on how funding should be allocated across Worcestershire and whether youth services should be targeted to those young people most in need. Residents can also have their say on whether money should be provided to the Voluntary and Community Sector to enable locally initiated groups to get off the ground, support the commissioning process and to ensure quality and safeguarding requirements are met.

An online questionnaire is available or paper copies of the survey are available in youth centres, libraries and Worcestershire Hubs.

Worcestershire Youth Cabinet is leading the consultation for children and young people and events are being organised for September. Members of the Voluntary and Community Sector are also being invited to book a place at a dedicated event on Saturday 17th September 2011 from 10am until 12 noon at County Hall, Worcester.

Cllr Liz Eyre, Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care and Safeguarding (Lead Member for Children's Services), said: "The County Council has looked at what we can do differently for positive activities (also known as youth services) so that children and young people still have access to the best possible activities with the money available.

"Changing how services are delivered is always more complicated than simply cutting services. I really want as many children and young people, along with anyone else with an interest in positive activities to take up the many opportunities to get involved and provide your views. This is your opportunity to shape the future of positive activities in the County and all ideas will be listened to."

At November's meeting (November 24, 2011), the Cabinet will consider feedback from the consultation, including any implications for assets such as buildings.

More information as well as the opportunity to take part in the online questionnaire can be found on the county website by searching for Positive Activities.

Free event with LZ7 and Ad-apt

2011-07-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

As part of their Amazing Grace mission there will be a free youth event in Kidderminster on Friday 19th August featuring LZ7 and Ad-apt. Both are awesome! Get there if you can.

Funding opportunities

2011-07-26T03:30:00.000-07:00

Douglas Turner Trust:
Next trustees meeting September 2011 (quarterly)
Size of grant available: Single “one off” grants £1,000-£5,000

Aims and outcomes of funder: Support a variety of causes such as young people/children, disabled/elderly, environmental/heritage and the arts

Additional information: Only registered charities operating in Birmingham and the Black Country can apply (by letter)

Contact details: Telephone Mr. T J Patrickson 01386 792014

Address: 3 Poplar Piece, Inkberrow, Worcester WR7 4JD

Ernest Cook Trust:

Size of grant available: Large grants £4,000-£10,000

Aims and outcomes of funder: Encourage young people's interest either in the countryside/environment, the arts or aiming to raise levels of literacy and numeracy

Additional information: Two deadlines a year, the other one is 31st January for arts, crafts/architecture and literacy/numeracy projects

See their website for further details.

Sport England:
Small grants programme, apply anytime online
Size of grant available: £300-£10,000

Aims and outcomes of funder: Will only fund new community projects that either grow or sustain participation in sport or supports talent development

Additional information: Organisations can work with sports clubs on a community project provided the sport chosen is recognised by Sport England

See their website for applications.

Biffaward Main Grants
Community strand, apply anytime, no deadlines
Size of grant available: £5,000-£50,000 http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Aims and outcomes of funder: Support site-based improvement work for projects that provide/improve community spaces, cultural facilities and places for outdoor recreation

Additional information: Project site must be within 10 miles of both a Biffa operation and a landfill site with a minimum of 104 days full public access per year

You need to check your proximity with their proximity checker

Foyle Foundation
Learning strand, apply anytime, no deadlines
Size of grant available: £10,000-£50,000

Aims and outcomes of funder: Support projects facilitating acquisition of knowledge with a long-term strategic impact

Additional information: One of the three priority areas is supporting special educational needs and learning difficulties

Contact details: Telephone 020 7430 9119

E-mail: mgs@foylefoundation.org.uk

For more details see their website.

North Face Explore Fund:
Next deadline August 8th 2011
Size of grant available: Up to 2,500 Euros

Aims and outcomes of funder:
Support organisations encouraging youth outdoor participation, focusing primarily on increasing access to both front and back country recreation, as well as providing education for personal and environmental health

Additional information: Projects must encourage community involvement focusing on breaking down barriers to getting young people outdoors and reaching out to a specific community or place of interest

Check out their website for more details.

WCVYS Members' forums

2011-06-16T04:20:00.000-07:00

The Diocese is a member of WCVYS so if you would be interested in attending one of the two forums let me know.

MEMBERS’ FORUMS – Make sure you book your place now!

WCVYS are organising two members’ forums. The forums will be used to:

· Launch the new WCVYS Members’ Pack

· Explore the Role of the Voluntary Youth Sector in the Common Assessment Framework (CAF)

· Hear about plans for the future of the Youth Service; and

· Hear from you

Details of the Forums:

Wednesday 22nd June at 7 – 9pm

at The Trunk, Humphrey Avenue, Bromsgrove, B60 3JB

Wednesday 29th June at 7 – 9pm

at Wallace House, Oat Street, Evesham, WR11 4PJ

All member organisations are invited. To book your place please contact Jo Banfield or Phil Street on 01905 795098 alternatively send an email to office@wcvys.co.uk

The forums provide an opportunity for WCVYS members to network with one another; discuss and hear about developments affecting the voluntary youth sector in Worcestershire and provide a venue for feeding back ideas and issues to WCVYS.

WCC Consultation

2011-06-16T04:19:00.000-07:00

Consultation on services in Worcestershire to support children and young people's emotional and mental health

Mental health is everybody's business. Support for children and young people to develop good emotional and mental health is provided by families, early years settings, schools and colleges as well as a range of early intervention, targeted and specialist services. We want to know what you think about how good the support is for children, young people and families. What is working well, or not so well, and where are the gaps?

We hope you will feel able to respond to this consultation, launched this week and running for 12 weeks. Please also forward this information to any partners you feel it is relevant to.

The survey responses will contribute to a needs assessment which will help us plan improvements to the way children and young people in Worcestershire are supported to have good emotional wellbeing and mental health.

There are two separate questionnaires for adults. You may be a parent/carer and/or a stakeholder working with children/young people so please answer one or both as appropriate:

Wider stakeholders working with children/young people:

Parents and carers' questionnaire:

There is also a questionnaire for children and young people, so feel free to encourage any children/young people you work with to answer this one:

Children and Young People's questionnaire:

If you have any general questions about the consultation please contact me by emailing: akirton@worcestershire.gov.uk

More information about the consultation can be found by accessing the Worcestershire consultation portal:

http://haveyoursay.whub.org.uk/whub/KMS/news.aspxstrTab=PortalHome&noIP=1&SessionId=P949DW6PW5

Bright Space 'Kindles' Bursary

2011-06-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

Bright Space 'Kindles' Bursary scheme now open for applications!

Bright Space is launching a new creative and cultural bursary scheme for 16-19 year olds – ‘Kindles’. It’s open to young people in Birmingham, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Key information of the Kindle’s bursary scheme:

· The bursary is open to 16-19 year olds living in Birmingham, Herefordshire and Worcestershire

· 10 bursaries in total will be awarded, up to the value of £1,000 each to complete a creative/cultural short course or paid internship

· Successful applicants will also be offered opportunities to attend networking activities

· In return, successful applicants will need to complete a weekly diary.

· Recruitment is by application followed by an interview. The deadline date for applications is Wednesday 6 July – 5pm. Interviews will take place on the 18 and 19 July 2011 in Birmingham.

The application form and Frequently Asked Questions document for further information, plus a copy of the flyer can be downloaded at www.wcvys.co.uk/news

For further information you can contact me directly or visit our website

Key Contact; Marcia Springer MCIPR Communications Officer Bright Space

Funding opportunities

2011-06-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

BT Community Connections Awards

Application Deadline: 15 September 2011

Awards scheme that provides IT equipment and Internet access to voluntary and community groups in the UK.

The award will be 12 months’ free connection to BT Business Total Broadband Advance, which includes features described in the standard products and services terms. Award winners will be required to accept the standard terms and conditions for the service.

Where the award winner has a current connection with a different broadband supplier BT will not cover any costs which may be incurred for transferring to BT Business Total Broadband

Extended Description

The BT Community Connections Awards are provided and administered by British Telecom.

The awards scheme is intended to provide voluntary groups and charitable organisations working to benefit the community in the UK with IT equipment and Internet access. Successful applicants to the programme will receive a laptop and a year's free broadband Internet connection. In particular, the scheme is keen to target areas of deprivation which normally receive little or no funding and would otherwise have no IT provision.
Latest Information

The deadline is 15 September 2011.

Key Criteria

Applications are welcomed from any community group or charitable organisation working to benefit the community. Eligible areas of interest include:

Animals.
Older people.
Environment.
Family issues.
Multi-cultural awareness.
Wildlife.
Youth groups.

Applications are welcomed from religious groups that want to carry out work in the community but groups that promote religion will not be considered.

Priority will be given to applications from community groups that operate in areas of deprivation and that have not previously won an award. However, previous award winners are eligible to apply and will be considered, providing they meet the application criteria.

Applicants must have a BT business landline.

Groups that promote political parties are not eligible to apply.

Restrictions

Funding is not available for:

For-profit companies.
Political organisations or activities.
Organisations that do not operate in the UK.
Previous BT Community Connections award winners.
Employees of British Telecommunications.

Award Categories

There are no separate categories of award.
Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted online.

Submitted applications are shortlisted and reviewed by a panel of judges chaired by senior BT regional personnel.

Winners will be notified via email by 12 November 2011.

Contact BT Community Connections for further information.

For further information on how to obtain this funding opportunity locally, please contact the following:

Contact details:
Enquiries
BT Community Connections
PO Box 6919
London
W1A 8UX

Too much PAPERWORK??

2011-06-06T09:46:00.001-07:00

Looking for some interesting papercrafts for your youth group which http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifarehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif out of the ordinary. Have a browse of this wonderful blog called Paper Forest which gives links to all kind of free downloads for papercraft designs which are far from childish! For example I found this site called Flickr Monkey through it!

"Rights" of Passage

2011-06-06T03:43:00.001-07:00

Well this would have been a useful book a few years back!

The Journey of Christian Initiation
by Paul Avis, Martin Davie, Harriet Harris, Christopher Hill & Stephen Platten

It's described as:

This helpful volume sets out to clarify the Church of England’s thinking about baptism, confirmation and admission to communion, and addresses some very practical questions in relation to ministry in this area.
Discussion of the topic is grounded in the New Testament and the early Church, and is traced through the development of the Church’s theology and practice of initiation from the mediaeval and Reformation periods up to the present. Drawing on the Book of Common Prayer (1662), the Thirty-nine Articles and Common Worship, as well as on Scripture and the Church’s tradition, it sheds light on contemporary practice and understanding, which can – and do - vary locally.

Anglican approaches to Christian initiation are also explored in relation to those of other churches.

Hopefully a useful read now for churches thinking about admission to holy communion before confirmation and considering that age old question of "what age confirmation?"

Not read it yet as it's just out but hope to get hold of a copy soon.

Art in Heaven

2011-06-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

Art in Heaven is an annual competition run since 2004 for students in RE and related areas. It gives a chance to be creative and imaginative about big spiritual or religious questions: It is all about spiritual ideas and students’ imaginative expression. There is a wonderful web art gallery. Last year about 30,000 entered, and some of the best are on show. Teachers and students are warmly invited to join in with their own ‘Art in Heaven’. The closing date is 31st July.

Art in Heaven has five themes for 2011.
The themes are:
Spiritual Words
Stories of Truth?
Journeys
Festive visions
God: Who? Where? How? If?
The entry form can be downloaded from www.natre.org.uk
More details about the themes
God: Who? Where? How? If?

This competition has often asked: where is God? Who is God? Does God speak? This year, all these questions can be part of the theme, and the new focus is on your questions for God: Where are you, God? What do you want me to do? Do you love us all? What are you like? Why are you invisible? How can we find you? Why can’t I find you? Where were you when evil happened? Where are the signs of your love? Are you real, or made up?
What questions would you like to ask God, and how might a person who knows everything and loves everyone reply? This theme is just as much for atheists and agnostics as for believers in different faiths: the atheist may say: ‘Where is God? Nowhere at all.’

Festive visions: Divali and Hannukah, Eid and Easter, Red Nose Day and New Year, the festivals of life erupt in colour, splendour and community in every faith and any life. Students might choose the festival they celebrate, or the one they are learning about and express its key moment, or its big idea with colour and a viewpoint all their own. Festivals are all about vision: the past is visualised and remembered while the future is seen in a visionary way. What is your festive vision? Fireworks or peace? Light, love or All Hallows Eve?

Spiritual journeys: Religious texts are full of journeys: from Eden or Nazareth, to Makkah, Bethlehem, Tarsus, Heaven or Nirvana. Life is seen as a journey in many religions. If life is a journey, then what are the milestones, signposts, guidebooks and service stations on the way? What speeds you up or slows you down? What are the destinations? In this theme, winning work will develop great creative ideas about journeys of faith and life, expressing their own ideas as maps, pathways, roads to freedom or random wanderings.

Stories of truth? Every religion tells stories, but are they true? Do they tell us the truth? For younger pupils, this theme involves taking stories they love from religious traditions and expressing the key moments or ideas artistically. Start with any story: Jacob or Moses, the Guru or the Buddha, the Prophet or http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifthe Christ, stories told of creation, parable, paradox or meaning. Add a question mark and use the stories of faith as starting points for your own ideas about truth. Or explore or question atheist or scientific stories as well as those that come from faith.

Students are invited to plan to make an entry to send in before the end of the summer term – closing date is 31st July. There will be 3 £100 prizes funded by dare2engage for entrants in this age group. A note of up to 400 words in discussing and evaluating the work is an important part of the student’s entry.
For more details

Don’t forget - you can see hundreds of interesting entries and other winners on the web gallery.
Please click on the link for ways to introduce the competition to pupils/students: 1_Enter_Art_in_Heaven_2011.ppt
For further details of the competition, please contact Lat Blaylock: lat(at)retoday.org.uk

Pentecost resources

2011-06-01T01:13:00.000-07:00

If you're looking to explore Pentecost with young people, why not try the session in Youth Emmaus or some of the following:

Dave Walker's Cartoon Church Pentecost worksheet

from Insight

from Scripture Union

from Going for Growth

from Barnabas (many seasons available scroll down to Pentecost)

from Textweek

from Cafod

or how about searching for a video on youtube such as this one.

Franciscan Youth Event

2011-06-01T00:59:00.000-07:00

Hilfield Youth Camp is a true alternative to large mainstream Christian youth events, offering young people aged 13 to 17 a chance to explore their Christian faith at Hilfield Friary in Dorset.

Organised together with the Anglican Society of Saint Francis, the radical Franciscan spirituality of following Jesus is explored through a theme and our life together in community. Because the camp is between 30 and 50 people, everyone has a chance to join in, and no one is lost in the crowd.

Guided by more experienced campers and a pastoral team, the campers themselves present aspects of the theme each day to the whole camp. In this way EVERYONE gets to participate and all are encouraged to live out these experiences in their everyday lives.

"HYC is truly an unforgettable experience, a space in a young persons pressured life where they can be themselves, discover who they really are and experience Gods love. We hope you will be able to join us and see this at work for yourself!"

Contact the Diocesan Youth Officer for booking forms and more details.

Young People going to Greenbelt Survey

2011-05-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Children's Society would like children and young people between 8-18 who are going to Greenbelt to fill in a short on-line survey about their lives; what makes them happy, what they struggle with. The results of the survey will be discussed at a Good Childhood Conversation at Greenbelt itself.

If you are taking a group of young people, or know young people who are going please ask them to fill in the survey, it will only take 15 minutes or so and would help The Children's Society enormously.

More details can be found on the Greenbelt blog
Or on The Children's Society website

Wychavon Community Grants Scheme 2011-2012

2011-05-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Wychavon Community Grants 2011-2012 are now available to local voluntary groups and charitable organisations that aim to:

· Support initiatives that improve services and facilities for the local community

· Encourage local action to improve quality of life

· Support activities in the local community that the council would like to do, but does not have the resources for

· Contribute towards the council’s priories.

To find out more about how to apply for the grant and general help and advice please follow this link .

To ensure that as many community projects in the Droitwich area as possible who meet the criteria apply for the grants, therefore there is a briefing session which will take place on Wednesday 25th May – 6pm at The Old Library Centre, 65 Ombersley Street East, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8QS with Jem Teal, Community Development Manager as the speaker.

If you are interested in attending this briefing then please ensure that you book a place, as the briefing will not go ahead if there is not enough interest.

Please note that if your group is intending to apply for a grant more than £1,000, you are required to attend a briefing session.

To book a place on the briefing session or for general help and advice in applying for a grant, please get in touch with Droitwich CVS on 01905 779115, or alternatively email outreachsouth (at) droitwichcvs.org.uk

SpiritED fund

2011-05-04T05:27:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to St Mary’s Oldswinford, St John’s Greenland, St Matthew’s Worcester and St Mary’s Longdon Youth Choir who have all bid successfully for some of our SpiritED fund.

Between them they have secured funding for sheet music and Worship music CDS, books about faith for children at an afterschool club and printing costs for a new local church pilgrimage for schools visiting the parish.

Did you miss out this time?

Well look out for our second round of SpiritED funding later this year.

Sprung into Action

2011-05-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you who joined us for such a fantastic Saturday of reflection on Christian youth and children’s work. We were inspired by the words of Nick Harding to start us off and then you all enjoyed sessions on topics like Creative prayer, working with tweenagers, developing young leaders, kids culture and storytelling. From your feedback forms we’re pleased to see that over 95% of you who responded would come again and you’ve given us some ideas about what you’d like us to cover as well. So next time we will be covering some of the same sessions again with the addition of some of the following: holiday clubs/residential, special needs, running mixed age groups, transitioning from children’s groups to youth groups, supporting children and young people through difficult times and practical sessions on craft, drama and storytelling with music/puppets.

Revive

2011-05-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 4th June, Emma and I will be running a day retreat at the wonderful Holland House for all those working with children and young people across the diocese.

This day retreat at the wonderful Holland House is an opportunity for all those working with children or young people across the diocese to spend some time for yourselves, reflecting on your faith and your role in working with children/young people.

This is a chance for you to recharge those spiritual batteries, remind yourselves why it is you do what you do for the children and young people in your church and take a fresh look at your vision for our disciples in training.

The day will run from 10am until 4pm with guided reflective activities and time to yourself.
There will be opportunities to explore some creative prayers and reflective crafts as well as enjoy the beautiful peaceful gardens of Holland House
Lunch is included. The Holland House team always serve us beautiful food, much of it grown on site. Please do advise us of any special dietary requirements you may have.

We have subsidised this day to value the volunteers in our diocese but would encourage parishes to share some of the cost (£15) with those wishing to attend. If the cost is an issue, please do get in touch with us to discuss possibilities of further subsidy.

Young Leader training opportunity 8th-10th July

2011-05-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

There’s a fantastic opportunity for two young leaders in our diocese to get a whole weekend of leadership training and experience at Oxford Diocese’s Yellow Braces residential (originally named as an event for those too young to attend Greenbelt!).

Young Leaders are given training in leadership and youthwork separate from the residents and then, as part of the leadership, work alongside an incredibly experienced group of youth leaders in creating a Christian community of over 50 teenagers from across the diocese over one weekend.

Do you have any young leaders aged 16-18 who would benefit from some training and mentoring in their youth leadership?

I worked with the young leaders’ training programme at Yellow Braces last year and saw how much the young leaders grew through the experience so asked if I could bring some young leaders with me this year to benefit from the fabulous scheme. If you have someone in your group who could really do with some wider experience, get in touch with me as soon as possible.

CandY at the Diocesan Synod

2011-05-04T04:57:00.000-07:00

It was a fantastic day on 12th March when the Diocesan Synod was joined by children and young people from across the diocese for their own exciting sessions based on the same issues being discussed by the adults. Members of the youth council welcomed other teenagers and Emma Pettifer guided a group of children in looking at Future Ministry in the church. As well as creative prayers which helped the children and young people together look at their own gifts and talents they decided what building blocks you need for a church (in addition to those we had suggested such as people, a building, worship, etc they added love and reflection). There was a silent debate for the teenagers which led into discussions about being a Christian at school, taking an active part in serving the church as a young person and sharing your faith with other teenagers. The children drew pictures of their dream church and ran around to different coloured dots to show whether they agreed or disagreed with various statements like “Children and young people should worship with the adults” and “Children should be able to take communion”. As well as all that the children and young people wrote some prayers and prepared some worship for the WHOLE synod who came and joined them in their space. The teenagers went on to discuss topics from a national youth event called the Regeneration Summit when Bishop John signed a pledge including these words:

“We are excited by all the positive work with young people across our nation. We rejoice that so many young people are involved in the life of our Church, yet we yearn for more. As Bishops and Church leaders we pledge ourselves to find new ways to listen to the voices of young people, and encourage them in their Christian walk. We will work to enable young people’s voices to be heard better both within our Diocese and the national Church. We will seek to find new ways to empower young people both in leadership and ministry. We will endeavour to work with colleagues to enable new mission initiatives with young people, and consider if new financial resources can be made available to support these.”

Reflecting on these words and the fantastic day which we had with children and young people from across the diocese, we’re looking at a new start for our diocesan youth council to encompass three distinct but collaborating councils of children, young people and young adults. We would like you and your children and young people to be a part of forming how it will all work and so want to invite you to bring up to four children/young people from your parish to our tea party called CanYou? on Sunday 19th June at St Stephen’s Barbourne in Worcester from 3pm-5pm.

Get out and about this summer

2011-05-04T04:55:00.000-07:00

If you're wandering about what activities to do with young people over the summer months, why not check out my list of adventure activities available locally and some quick guidelines for planning such activities. It's all over on our diocesan youth pages.

Funding opportunities

2011-04-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

The 'Inspired? Small Gant Scheme

The 'Inspired?' Small Grant Scheme is continuing in 2011/12 and can help towards costs of staging your own Community Games. Awards are for amounts from £200 to £500 - it is open to any voluntary or community association, statutory body or educational establishment in Worcestershire.

For a copy of the Inspired? Small Grant Scheme Guidelines and an Application Form please contact Peter Turvey - Worcestershire Opportunities Coordinator 2012 Games: Email: pturvey@worcestershire.gov.uk

'Inspired?' Small Grant Scheme - Essential Criteria

· Your activity is inspired by the "Inspired?" toolkit (i.e. the Olympic and Paralympic Games)

· Your activity aims to increase participation in sport or physical activity

· You are able to demonstrate that your activity will not be a one off event ('Legacy')

FE Forum

2011-04-11T03:57:00.000-07:00

West Midlands Churches FE Council and National Council of Faiths and Beliefs

in Further Education - West Midlands Regional Forum

Wednesday 18 May 2011, 11.30-3.00pm

South Birmingham College, Digbeth Campus (tbc)

Programme includes:

Presentation of findings of a regional audit of colleges' understanding of,

and provision for SMSC

News of national faith and FE developments

Opportunities to network and share good practice with colleagues from other

colleges

To book a place please contact Jennifer Roberts (info@fbfe.org.uk)

Pulse Ministries

2011-04-11T03:40:00.000-07:00

Wanting to start some work with children or young people but not sure you have all it takes? Pulse Ministries offer to come in and help you run training for leaders as well as holiday clubs and special one-offs for children and young people.

Check out their vision document here.

Dudley Training

2011-04-11T03:25:00.000-07:00

Dudley CVS Volunteer Centre
Training Events
May and June 2011

Monday May 9th
Volunteers and the Law
An understanding of how current legislation has implications for volunteers and volunteer involving organisations. Good practice and management of volunteers.

Friday May 13th
Volunteer Induction, Handbooks and Agreements
Preparing information handbooks, how to develop positive and welcoming induction process and the value of volunteer agreements.

Friday May 20th
Recruiting and Training Volunteers
Effective volunteer recruitment methods, interview processes and how to hang on to your volunteers.

Friday May 27th
Supporting Your Volunteers
Valuing and developing volunteers and understanding the consequences of poor support/supervision.

Friday June 10th
Moving Your Volunteers On
It’s never nice to say goodbye, but there are times when a volunteer has to move. How to spot warning signs and handling positive and negative endings.

To reserve a place at any of the above contact Dudley CVS Admin Team: admin@dudleycvs.org.uk. Tel: 01384 573381

National Chaplaincy Conference

2011-04-11T03:23:00.000-07:00

'School Chaplaincy: Nurturing Faith,Transforming Lives'

Help make 2011 a pivotal year in Christian Education in the United Kingdom by joining us for this inaugural conference, organised by the Church of England National Society, Woodard Schools, the Bloxham Project, Liverpool Hope University and the School Chaplains' Association, with other supporting bodies.

This conference will help shape this significant ministry through sharing experience, celebrating success and creating the agenda for the future. It is intended for all practitioners and policy makers, all involved in school chaplaincy (lay and ordained), all involved in school leadership, Diocesan education and youth officers and all others interested in this vital ministry.

Keynote speakers include:

Professor David Martin
Fr Christopher Jamison OSB
Professor Mona Siddiqui
The Bishop of Liverpool

There will be opportunities throughout for worship and reflection.

The cost to attend this three day conference is £350, inclusive of en-suite accommodation, all meals (including Conference dinner) and refreshments. For full, non-residential attendance, the cost is £250. Please note there are small additional administration charges dependent on payment method used - click here for more information.

The Conference will contribute significantly to the Christian character, teaching and practice of the schools represented. Delegates should therefore be eligible for CME/CPD funding.

Register for further details here

Funding opportunities

2011-04-11T03:03:00.000-07:00

Lankelly Chase:
Summer activities, small grants, deadline 13th May 2011
Size of grant available: £500 (120 grants available in 2011)

Aims and outcomes of funder: Will support activities for children/young people who are living in refuges for families escaping domestic violence or young carers

Additional information: Funding available for summer activities organised to benefit children and young people aged 5-17 with strong volunteer support

For further details see their website.

Marsh Christian Trust:
No deadlines, apply anytime, trustees meet monthly
Size of grant available: £250-£4,000

Aims and outcomes of funder: Will support a variety of causes such as social/welfare projects, education/training, healthcare and literature/arts/heritage/environmental work

Additional information: The trust engages in long-term core funding and prefers to build up the level of grant-making over time

Use contact form on website

Website: www.marshchristiantrust.org/default.asp?V_ITEM_ID=501

Hilden Charitable Fund:
Summer Play Schemes, application deadline 6th May 2011
Size of grant available: Up to £1,000

Aims and outcomes of funder: Will support projects for children from refugee and ethnic minority families aged 5-18 lasting for 2-6 weeks with strong volunteer support

Additional information: Only organisations with income below £120,000 can apply

See website.

St James’s Place Foundation:
Small grants, no deadlines, apply anytime
Size of grant available: Up to £10,000 in any two-year period

Aims and outcomes of funder: “Cherishing the Children” theme aimed at supporting disadvantaged and disabled young people up to the age of 25
Additional information: Only organisations with income below £750,000 a year can apply for funding to purchase small capital items or staff costs working directly with beneficiaries

See their website

Sobell Foundation:
No deadlines, apply anytime
Size of grant available: Average grants £21,250

Aims and outcomes of funder: Amongst their many priorities is support for physically and mentally disabled adults/children through education/training focusing on learning disabilities

Additional information: Will also fund organisations working in the care and support of the elderly and children as well as projects addressing homelessness

See their website.

Wychavon Community Grants

2011-04-06T01:49:00.000-07:00

Financial assistance is available to local voluntary groups and charitable organisations for innovative new projects that make a lasting difference and improve the quality of life in Wychavon.
Details

Fund Value:
£ 80,000
Maximum Value:
£ 10,000
Minimum Value:
£ 250

Grants are for projects costing over £250 up to a maximum of £10,000, which will be the normal maximum amount. Larger grants may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Extended Description

The Community Grants scheme is provided and administered by Wychavon District Council.

Every year the scheme focuses on one element of community life. The theme for 2011 is "Play". Applications will also be considered for innovative, new projects that will make a lasting difference to the community and improve the quality of life within the district. Projects should address the theme set out for the year but may focus on other aspects of community life, such as community buildings, sports, and arts. Projects must benefit the community.
Latest Information

2011 deadline: 17 June 2011 (noon).

To be eligible, applicants must:

* Be a local voluntary group or charitable organisation from Wychavon District.
* Be a non-profit making organisation.
* Have a project within Wychavon District or for the benefit of Wychavon residents.
* Demonstrate that they can meet the full costs of the proposed project through grant aid and other contributions.
* Have the necessary permissions to carry out the project.
* Be able to take up the grant within 12 months of the grant offer.

To be eligible, projects must:

* Meet local needs and benefit local residents.
* Have community support.
* Be well planned and involve as many local people as possible.

Applications from a national organisation or local branch of a national organisation must be for a specific local project.

Applications from religious organisations must be for non-religious, community, leisure and recreational purposes only.

Applications from Parish or Town Councils must be for substantial projects only, such as village halls, land purchases or Lottery bids.

Applications from schools must be for projects with a wider community benefit that run outside of school hours. Curricular activities will not be funded.
Eligible Expenditure

Assistance is provided towards a wide range of projects that:

* Support initiatives that improve services and facilities for the local community.
* Encourage local action to improve quality of life.
* Support activities in the local community that the Council would like to support but for which it does not have the resources.
* Contribute towards the Council's priorities, as set out in the Wychavon Community Strategy.

Match Funding Restrictions

Applicants will be expected to show other sources of funding towards the total cost of the project. This could be from the local community or from other grant aid.

The Council is unlikely to fund 100% of any project and the more that can be raised by the applicant, the better the chance of success.

When applications are made in connection with Lottery-funded projects, the Council will only provide up to 50% of the minimum partnership funding required by the relevant Lottery body (except Awards for All).
Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

* Individuals.
* Organisations that can fund the project themselves.
* Organisations whose liquid assets in hand exceed one year's revenue expenditures unless funds have been set aside specifically for a capital project.
* Organisations whose projects require year-on-year running costs, such as usual venue hire, refreshments, newsletters and administration. (Start-up costs would be eligible.)
* Projects that will have taken place by 31 July 2011.
* More than one project from the same organisation per year.

Grants are awarded once in a three year period. Recipients in 2011 may not apply again until 2014. Unsuccessful applicants may apply each year until successful.
Application Procedure

Application packs can be obtained by contacting Tracy Grubb. The closing date is 12.00 noon on 17 June 2011.

Applicants are strongly advised to approach their parish or town councillor and local district councillor about their application.

The following documents must be submitted along with the completed application form:

* A Community Strategy Form (if not applying under the 'Play' theme) or the Play Strategy form (if applying under the ‘Play’ theme)
* Evidence of local support for the project and how it meets community needs (for example, letters from local organisations or residents; petition).
* Audited, or independently verified, balance sheets and revenue accounts for the past two years. (If these are not yet available please supply interim accounts or balance sheets.)
* Copy of the organisation’s Rules and Regulations and/or Constitution.
* Copies of estimates relating to work for which a grant is sought.
* Plans of proposed work where appropriate.

A Grants Help Service is in operation during April and May. Applicants should contact Tracy Grubb with details of the project to arrange a discussion with one of the scheme managers.

Applicant’s Briefing Sessions have been arranged for:

* 20 April.
* 18 May.
* 01 June.

The briefing sessions will be held at 6.30 pm in the Conservatory, Civic Centre, Pershore. Applicants should use the Civic Suite entrance at the rear of the building for all briefing sessions.

Applicants that are applying for a grant in excess of £1,000 are expected to attend the Applicants Briefing Sessions; those that are unable to attend should contact Tracy Grubb prior to the briefing to discuss the application.

If a grant of £2,000 or more is requested, applicants may be called in to give a short presentation to the working group. This would allow more detailed questioning of the project, in addition to providing applicants an opportunity to clearly state the need and outline the benefits for the community.

Grant applications that meet all of the relevant criteria, will be considered by members of the Council during June, July and August 2011. They will make a decision about which projects to fund and what level of grant to allocate.

Contact Tracy Grubb for further information and an application pack.
Addresses and contacts

For further information on how to obtain this funding opportunity locally, please contact the following:

Contact details:
Tracy Grubb
Wychavon District Council
Civic Centre
Queen Elizabeth Drive
Pershore
Worcs
WR10 1PT
Telephone:
01386 565168

Social Media

2011-04-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

Dudley CVS is hosting its first Social Media Surgery on Thursday 14 April, 5pm at Cafe Grande in Dudley.

Would you like to know how to use blogs, video clips, photo sharing sites, Facebook, Twitter or other free web tools to help your group?

You don't need any previous knowledge to take part, and there won't be any lectures. We'll talk to you one-to-one, listen to what you need and explain things clearly. Dudley CVS Social Media Surgeries are completely free advice sessions for community and voluntary groups, clubs and societies.

Click here for more information and to reserve your place.

You can also offer to be helper when you book. All of our helpers are volunteers or staff from local organisations who know enough about using social media tools to help someone else.

We'll be hosting Social Media Surgeries regularly, so I'll keep you informed about future dates.

Big Church Day Out

2011-03-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Wondering what to do over May Bank Holiday weekend?

Why not take a group from church to the Big Church Day Out?

Publicity packs available here.

Re the Regeneration Summit - Igniting Change

2011-03-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Some interesting developments now on the Regeneration Summit website with footage of the day which Bishop John attended and which fed into our CandY at Diocesan Synod day. Check out the videos by young people.

If you're very eagle-eyed you might spot Bishop John on this video:

Those there signed a pledge:

Gathered in Sheffield for the Regeneration Summit we are excited by all the positive work with young people across our nation. We rejoice that so many young people are involved in the life of our Church, yet we yearn for more.

As Bishops and Church leaders we pledge ourselves to find new ways to listen to the voices of young people, and encourage them in their Christian walk. We will work to enable young people's voices to be heard better both within our Diocese and the national Church. We will seek to find new ways to empower young people both in leadership and ministry. We will endeavour to work with colleagues to enable new mission initiatives with young people, and consider if new financial resources can be made available to support these.

As young people gathered at the Regeneration Summit we affirm we will work hard to encourage and support our church leaders. We will pray for our Bishops, and so all we can to bless their leadership amongst us. We will work positively in our local churches, to encourage our leaders. We pledge ourselves to pray for our friends, and to try to find new ways of sharing our faith with them.

Together, we commit afresh to pray for the Church we love, and to ask God to work a miracle amongst us, that He would use us to help many more young people across England come to a living faith in Jesus Christ.

CandY in the future

2011-03-16T04:09:00.000-07:00

CandY

Hi all

Following a really exciting day of CandY at Diocesan Synod, we're going to be reforming the way we run youth council. From September there will be a Children's version of youth council for school years 3 - 7, a youth council for school years 8-13 and a young adult council. Emma Pettifer (the Diocesan Children's Officer) and I will be working to bring children and young people together some time in June or July to look at how it will all work so keep your eyes peeled on the wdyou page for details of that.

I'd appreciate it if you would all keep this transformation in your prayers. It is an exciting time of possibilities for getting children, young people and young adults from across the diocese working together and working with the adult leadership of the diocese to ensure that the voice of children and young peopel is heard and acted on to drive change in our diocese.

Yours in Christ

Sarah

Job opportunity

2011-03-16T03:46:00.000-07:00

YOUTH MINISTER - ALL SAINTS WESTON IN BATH

JNC 20 - 23 £27,673 - 30,219

Are you our new Youth Minister able to lead and inspire our growing work with young people?

All Saints Weston, a lively, growth-oriented, open evangelical Anglican church with a membership of around 350 is looking for a Youth Minister to oversee the large team of paid staff and volunteers working with children, teens and young adults in our church and our community. As well as this leadership role you will also take direct responsibility for our church-based teens work.

If you are pioneering, creative, firm in your faith, able to forge strong relationships and possess the experience and gifts needed for engaging with young people and their leaders, we would love to meet you. We are offering a competitive salary, an open and warm-hearted church and a post with plenty of support and scope to develop your leadership skills. For the application pack please contact the Church Office at office@allsaintsonline.org.uk , or for an informal conversation please phone Revd Patrick Whitworth on 01225 421159. Closing date for applications: 4 April; Interviews: 13 April 2011

Funding opportunities

2011-03-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

Arla: Kids closer to nature grants, deadline 25th March 2011

Up to £1,500

Nature projects benefitting children/young people

Activities must benefit people in local communities getting them closer to nature and learning more about the great outdoors

Contact details:

E-mail: via website,

Wooden Spoon: No deadlines, apply anytime
£20,000-£100,000 representing 25%-100% of total project costs

Support projects benefiting children and young people who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially

Projects must normally be of a capital nature with a reasonably long-term prospective lifetime

Web Site

Woodward Charitable Trust
Deadline 1st April 2011
£500-£1,000

Summer Play-scheme projects for small organisations (maximum turnover £100,000 per annum)

30-40 grants made each year on a one-off basis

contact@woodwardcharitabletrust.org.uk

Web Site

Red Nose Day Community Cash (Comic Relief)
Application deadline 15th March 2011
£500-£1,000

Projects relieving disadvantage, such as building skills/improving access to employment, healthy lifestyles, promoting community cohesion

Only available for small organisations (income below £50,000 per annum) in Birmingham and the Black Country

Web Site

Rosie’s Helping Hands:
Next trustee meeting in April, further meeting scheduled for October.
Grants below £1,000 assessed within 6 weeks, larger applications in April/October

Size of grant available: Up to £1,500. Average £800

Aims and outcomes of funder: Support for organisations working with children and young people up to the age of 25

Additional information: Will only provide funding for small registered charities (income below £150,000 per annum) located within 15 miles radius of Walsall

Web Site Address

ChristChurch Matchborough Youth Service

2011-03-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

Job opportunity

2011-02-16T03:44:00.001-08:00

Conference Assistant Manager – Elim Conference Centre

20-28 hrs per week

Up to £14,560 pa depending on hours worked

Elim Conference Centre opened eighteen months ago as part of the new Elim International Centre situated on the beautiful Malvern Hills in Worcestershire. It is fast developing a reputation as an outstanding facility for conferences, events weddings and short breaks, based on its commitment to excellence of facilities and service.

We are now looking to appoint a new Conference Assistant Manager to add to the conferencing team to assist the further development of the business. The role will involve leading the Conference Centre in the absence of the manager, and getting involved in promoting excellence of service to all our guests. You will also take bookings and enquiries, liaise with other departments and assist with the marketing and business development of the conference centre.

You will be an individual with a natural passion for delivering an excellent customer experience and will be comfortable hosting and mixing with groups and individuals. You will be a well organised self starter who enjoys working in a team, but can step up into a leadership role when required. Previous experience in hotel or conference centre management would be an advantage but is not essential.

In return we offer a working environment situated in possibly one of the most beautiful areas of the country, a dynamic, people focused team environment to work in and a growing business opportunity. This is initially a part time role of between 20 and 28 hours per week, but there is the opportunity for it to become a full time position, based on business growth. Please note that some unsocial hours working would be required including on average working one week-end in three.

For a detailed job description or a confidential discussion, please contact Andrew Cave, Operations Director on 01684 588948 or at andrew.cave@regents-tc.ac.uk

Kind regards

Rebekah Marshall

Admissions and Operations Officer | Regents Theological College

Job opportunities

2011-02-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

Youth Minister

St. John’s Kenilworth

£24-26k

We seek to appoint a full-time gifted Youth Minister to shape and inspire the existing youth community in effective shared outreach, empowering young people to bring transformation to others. Many able volunteers already involved.

Salary £24-26k, depending on experience. Post reviewed 2016.
Closing date for applications: April 14 Interviews: May 4
Location
Warwickshire
Contract
Full time
Contact

For details and forms contact Denise Coomber
admin@kenjohn.org.uk 01926853203

There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) that the post-holder is a Christian.

Youth and Children’s Ministry Team Leader

Long Crendon Baptist Church

c.£24,000

We are a large, growing, evangelical church, located between Oxford and Aylesbury, with a thriving Youth and Children’s ministry which involves approx. 180 children and young people in an average week (see www.lcbc.org.uk).

We are seeking a proven team player with the necessary vision, passion, spiritual maturity and communication skills to:

* lead and develop the youth and children’s ministry at the church
* lead, co-ordinate, train and develop our team of 40+ volunteers
* integrate the youth and children’s work into the life of the church
* build links into the community

Salary in the region of £24,000 subject to experience.

For a job description please contact our administrator, Helen Walker on 01844 201335 or admin@lcbc.org.uk Closing date for applications – 31st March 2011 There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) that the post-holder is a Christian

Youth Missioner

Diocese of Leicester

£20,000 to £23,000

Eighteen months ago a pioneering youth work started in Shepshed, Leicestershire. Due to the vision and tenacity of a group of people who are faithful to what they believe God is calling them to, Passion was born .. and now there are opportunities to positively impact the lives of hundreds of young people in a totally new way.

You will be:-

* A youth worker with relevant experience
* Ordained or not - we don’t mind
* Passionate about young people and committed to Incarnational mission
* A risk taker
* A relationship builder
* Convinced that new forms of church for young people are vital
* Experienced at working in schools.

We will provide:-

* An impassioned management team to support you
* A dedicated team of volunteers
* A network of youth workers, just waiting to welcome you
* A pioneering, high profile project primed and ready to move to it’s next stage
* Opportunities to take calculated risks in Gods name, for the sake of His people
* A generous holiday package + retreat time + study time.

Interviews will be held early in March 2011
A salary package of £20,000 to £23,000 is available for the successful candidate.

For more information contact Mads Morgan, Youth Ministry Officer, Diocese of Leicester on 07795 805196 or e-mail mads.morgan@gmail.com
Visit us on Facebook YPforL
This post is subject to an enhanced CRB disclosure.

It is a genuine occupational requirement of this job that the successful applicant is a practising Christian.

Youth & Children’s Director

Newbury Baptist Church

£26K-£30K

Newbury Baptist Church, West Berkshire is looking to appoint an experienced, gifted and enthusiastic person to head up and work with our existing teams to develop our exciting and dynamic work among children and young people.

Your key roles will be to:

* oversee and develop the strategy and programme for our existing work
* implement new opportunities
* intoduce an interns programme to develop and mentor new leaders
* provide pastoral support and develop training for volunteers
* manage the budget for this area
* be a key link with other local churches and organisations
* be part of an ongoing personal development programme
* serve as part of the church leadership team

You will need an enhanced CRB disclosure and a proven track record.

There is a Genuine Occupation Requirement that the post-holder be a Christian.

This will be a 3 year contract.

Package: £26K-£30K depending on experience.

For more information please contact Revd Jon Stannard for an informal conversation, application form and further details,at Newbury Baptist Church, Cheap Street, Newbury. RG14 5DD or
email minister@newburybaptist.org.uk or call 07787 574525
www.newburybaptist.org.uk

Closing dates for applications is Friday 11th March, with interviews taking place during the week of 21st March 2011.

Associate Pastor

Harborough Evangelical Church

Harborough Evangelical Church is a growing and active church seeking to be 'Christ in the community'. We hope to appoint another full-time worker to work alongside the church leader and elders.

The 'right person' will bring their experience and skills gained from church ministry to help teach, train, disciple and encourage the church body. This will include developing leaders and motivating mission initiatives. You must be able to work on your own initiative, skilfully communicate God’s Word, be able to engage with people of all ages and be committed to team leadership.

Applications with CV to:
Richard Baker/Church Office, 121 Bath Street,
Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9LA
www.harboroughevangelicalchurch.org
Closing date: 5th March 2011
Registered Charity: 516122

Job opportunities

2011-02-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

Rugby Team Ministry

The Churches of St Andrew, St Peter and St John and St George

Are you wondering what to do for the next year or so, aware of the difficulties of the job market? We are looking for 3 young people to come and share in mission and ministry in

St Philip’s Community House.

We Invite you to Come and Share our life…

Living in community in our diverse parish

Worshipping / praying together – developing theology in an urban setting

Offering hospitality to your neighbours

Volunteering in our schools, community centres and churches

Seed corn money for developing projects

A chance to make a difference in a needy community

Rent Free accommodation

“What does God want me to do with my life”

Mentoring from experienced clergy, youth worker and lay people

Training sessions with community development workers

There is more to Rugby than an odd shaped ball

Vibrant relations between churches

Excellent communications – M6, M1, Rail links

Want to know more?

Contact The Revd Mark Beach rector(at)rugbyteam.org.uk

The Feast Gap Year Programme

Join an innovative and challenging youth work charity, striving to see Christian and Muslim young people coming together to form real friendships that move them to be peace-makers amongst their peers and in the world. Jesus, the early church and the Bible all thrived in a mixed-faith world. Yet today there sometimes exists a barrier between Christians and Muslims. We think this is sad and should change. When Jesus said “love your neighbour” he meant fellow Jews as well as gentiles, Samaritans and Romans. So despite the differences, and in fact because of them, we want to help you follow Christ like never before, while being willing to listen to what someone of another faith shares about what they believe.A Gap Year with The Feast will find you working with a church and local secondary schools to help run events where Christian and Muslim young people come together to explore faith, create friendships and change lives!

Basic Details

Period: Sept 2011 to July 2012

Placement: 3 days per week with The Feast & 2 days per week with a local church.

Cost: £1,000 (church to cover living arrangements.)

Please contact Tim Fawssett for more information, on 07540 925 290 or tim(at)thefeast.org.uk

Young People Consultation Event 3rd March

2011-02-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

On March 3rd in Sheffield the "Regenerate Summit" is happening which will involve about 150 young people aged 15- 21, both Archbishops, many Bishops (including our own Bishop John) and some Youth Practitioners.

"The Regeneration Summit is about a group of young people calling the Church of England to think seriously about how it can better resource, equip and reach young people and offering help to do so"

The web site is now up and running and there's a small window of time (Feb 14th deadline) for young people to apply to be part of the day.

Spring into Action Saturday 2 April 2011

2011-02-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

SPRING INTO ACTION DAY ….. is aimed at everyone who works with children or young people, be they new or experienced. There’s a choice of workshops covering important areas of work with children and young people, and everyone will be able to choose three. All bookings must be in by Friday 18 March 2011. There will also be a Bookstall, and market place from other agencies working with children and young people.

Keynote Speaker: Nick Harding
THE WORKSHOP LEADERS ….. are a range of people with experience and expertise in their areas. Some work nationally or regionally for Christian agencies, while others work week-in, week-out with children and young people in their local church.

THE COST….. at £5 (1 free ticket to every parish) includes drinks, biscuits and cake, administration and the workshop leaders. Make sure that you bring as many people from your church as possible, and share all that you learn after the event with your church. Many churches are willing to pay or help with the cost of the day, so please ask them!
Cheques payable to ‘Worcester Diocesan Board of Finance’ should be sent with your booking form. For more information please ring Debbie or Liz on 01905 732825.

LUNCHTIME…. Please bring your own lunch! This is also an opportunity to browse through the resources area, buy lots of new books, and have lunch.

WE WELCOME….. People with mobility problems. There is a lift to all floors and with very easy access. We welcome young people who are helping with children in churches, as long as they are aged 15 and over and part of an adult group. We are not able to provide crėche facilities. We welcome people from any church tradition or denomination, although the event is organised by Worcester Diocese of the Church of England

ST PETERS BAPTIST CHURCH ….. Is very easy to find. Once you have reached
Whittington roundabout, head down the hill towards Malvern (A4440) at the bottom there is another roundabout take the 3rd exit into St Peters Drive, follow the road around, you will go through a set of pedestrian lights and the church is then facing you, and the small roundabout take first exit into car park. the church is located just of the Drive. Parking is available at the church .

PROGRAMME

9.15 + Registration, drinks and Resources Area open
9.45 Opening worship
11.00 Workshop 1
12.15 Lunch - drinks and Resources Area open
1.15 Workshop 2
3.00 Workshop 3
4.15 Resources Area open/drinks available until 4.30 pm

THE WORKSHOPS ….. cover a range of basics to help, encourage and enthuse you. You will need to choose three workshops, with three others as your second choices. We will try to make sure that you are given your first choices if possible. Some workshops have limited numbers, so early booking is advised.

The workshops are split into 3 Sessions. You must choose a FIRST and SECOND choice workshop for each of the 3 sessions.

Workshops
Session 1:
Kids Culture
Good Childhood Conversation
Confirmation
God Venture - Prayer

Session 2:
Challenging Behaviour
Working with Older Teens in their Faith
Storytelling
Worship for whoever is present
Developing young leaders
God Venture - prayer

Session 3:
Reaching out into your community
Working appropriately with tweenagers
School and parish links
Worship for whoever is present
Developing young leaders
God Venture - prayer

BREAKING NEWS: 20th JULY 11-25 Chaplains Gathering

2011-02-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday 20th JULY from 10-4pm I am going tobe hosting a Gathering for Chaplains working with those aged 11-25 (so Secondary chaplains, FE chaplains, University Chaplains and any others)

The day will be at Holland House and will, I hope, be the beginnings of a network for those in this specific field of youthwork

If you would be interested in taking part in that day, I'd be really pleased to hear from you.

ADVANCED DATES

2011-02-07T11:17:00.000-08:00

A few dates to put in your diary now

Retreat Day for Children’s and Youth Leaders
Saturday 4th June 10-4pm
This will be an opportunity for volunteer and employed leaders of children and young people to take some time out and reflect on their ministry. We’ll have some Bible reflections, some space for you to think about yourself and equip you spiritually for working with your groups. We all need a little spiritual top up every now and then - why not try this tailor-made day for children’s and youth leaders?

A Noisy/Quiet Day
This is an event for teenagers at Holland House. It’s a retreat day with a difference and it will be on Saturday 10th December 2011 so put the date in your diaries now!

CandY at the Diocesan Synod

2011-02-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

CandY is a chance for children and young people in our churches to let us know what they think. The bishop is inviting any children and young people from our churches aged 6-17 to come to a special gathering called CandY . There’ll be games, worship, fun, a giant picnic and a chance to talk about the future of the church through video snapshots, art, a silent debate and a good natter. The FIRST EVER meets on Saturday 12th March. We’d love as many churches as possible to send some children and young people (with at least 1 adult please!) to this pioneering event!

DATE: SATURDAY 12TH MARCH 2011 START TIME: 9.30AM END TIME: 3 PM PLACE: WOLVERLEY CE SECONDARY SCHOOL NEAR KIDDERMINSTER DY11 5XQ WHO’S INVITED? ALL CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 6-17 FROM ANGLICAN CHURCHES IN THE DIOCESE OF WORCESTER WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING? PACKED LUNCH, ONE LEADER PER GROUP AND LOADS OF IDEAS AND OPINIONS.

Bishop John added his personal invitation to all children and young people in the diocese

This year for the first time, I am asking you to help me hear the voices of children and young people from our churches alongside our Spring Synod on Saturday 12th March at Wolverley CE Secondary School near Kidderminster. I have asked Emma Pettifer and Sarah Brush, our Children’s and Youth Officers, to provide a fun-filled day of games and activities as well as discussions and creative explorations of issues facing the church now and in the future.
I would like as many parishes as possible to send children and young people to join together from across the diocese to give their views about the church and their part in it now and in the future. Please support this day with your time and with your prayer.

Book review The Faith of Generation Y

2011-02-07T11:11:00.001-08:00

You may remember a book a few years ago called Making Sense of Generation Y. A follow on book from the same research team of Sylvia Collins-Mayo, Bob Mayo and Sally Nash, together with Christopher Cocksworth, called The Faith of Generation Y has now been published. This looks not only at the spirituality of young people from Generation Y but also at how they relate to church and faith. It’s an interesting read and gives some insight into how we should work with young people. One of the big implications is about how we label what we do with young people. Many of the young people with no experience of church who then experience a church sponsored youth event won’t make the connection to church. This means we may have to be clearer with young people about WHY we do what we do which is no bad thing. Another interesting element for me was that despite some suggestions that young people might have a pick and mix approach to religion (picking re-incarnation here, angels there etc) this isn’t at all supported by the research. The book has interesting insights into how young people think about big issues such as death and how their personal spiritual life is formed - it’s well worth a read and can be borrowed from our resource library.

WARes Tour

2011-02-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

If you’re not sure what we have in our resource library, you’ll be pleased to hear that the resources are coming to a church near you! See the enclosed flier for details of our deanery resources tour. You’ll have a chance to look at books, CDs and DVDs as well as chat with Emma Pettifer (the Children's Officer) and I about your groups and about any other resources you think the diocese should consider buying.

Dates of our Tour as follows

Saturday 26th February
Dudley Deanery: 9.30am - 12 noon
at St James C of E Primary School, Wollaston, DY8 4RU

Saturday 26th February
Stourbridge and Kingswinford Deaneries: 1.30pm - 4pm
at St Mary’s Church, Old Swinford, DY8 2HA

Tuesday 1st March
Stourport Deanery: 7.30pm - 9pm
at St Michael's All Angels, Stourport on Severn, DY13 9DD

Saturday 5th March
Droitwich Deanery: 1.30pm - 4pm
at St Andrew’s, Droitwich, WR9 8DY (Parking can be found in Waitrose WR9 8LB)

Monday 7th March CORRECTION
Worcester West and Martley and Worcester East Deaneries:
Venue to Be Confirmed

Monday 14th March
Bromsgrove and Kidderminster Deaneries: 7.30pm - 9pm
at St Mary's church , Kidderminster, DY10 4BH

Saturday 19th March
Malvern Deanery: 9.30am - 12noon at Malvern Priory, Malvern, WR14 2AY

Saturday 19th March
Upton Deanery: 1.30pm - 4pm
at St Mary’s church, Kempsey, WR5 3JH (nearest postcode)

Tuesday 22nd March
Pershore and Evesham Deaneries: 7.30pm - 9pm
at St Peters Church, Inkberrow, WR7 4DZ (nearest postcode)

2011-02-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

I’ve bought a few new resources lately, particularly the rest of the SUbmerge series as these seemed popular. We also have some of the new teen novel style Old Testament stories from Scripture Union called The Dark Chapters if you would like to consider them before recommending them to young people in your groups. There will also be a new resource for Confirmation groups coming out in February which I’ve had a part in writing. See enclosed flier for details of Sarah Brush & Phil Greig, Moving Images, Changing Lives: Exploring the Christian life and Confirmation with young people through film and a book reflecting on Confirmation across the UK. This year is also the 400th anniversary of the King James translation of the Bible. Why not focus some sessions on different translations—we have all sorts you can borrow from the WaRes library including The Street Bible and animated versions such as The Manga Bible and The Graphic Bible or you can find all kinds of suggested things to do as a church to mark this here.

Peruvian Link

2011-02-07T10:57:00.001-08:00

Angela Varillas Haro is the Youth Officer for the Anglican Diocese of Peru. She and I are keeping in touch and keeping up with what’s going on with young people in both dioceses. On the same day as we had Rock the Cathedral, Lizbeth was organising a HAPPENING event in Peru. Happening is a spiritual weekend for young people based on the adult weekends run by Cursillo. We’re hoping to run one of these again in Worcester this year so keep that in mind! This month in Peru a group from Arequipa have just come back from a summer camp. Paul and Sarah Tester from the UK work alongside Lizbeth in a lot of her work. Please keep them all in your prayers.

SpiritED

2011-02-07T10:54:00.001-08:00

The Department for Children Youth and Education put in a bid last year for a special fund to encourage churches, young people, children and youth groups to place a greater emphasis on spiritual activities with their groups. If you and your group are wanting to do something spiritual then we can encourage you with some funding to help with resources. Please note those churches with a Bronze, Silver or Gold Worcester Spirit Mark will get preference to ensure that the money goes, as a priority, to those churches which have demonstrated that they are Children and Youth friendly churches. If you would like to get the Worcester Spirit Mark, see our website or get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

About the Fund:
SpiritED is a fund from the Department for Children Youth and Education in the Diocese of Worcester to encourage churches in the Diocese of Worcester to help those under 18 explore spirituality and prayer.

If you are running a group with children and young people and want to add or improve the spiritual element of your work but need some help to resource that then this fund is for you!

You can apply for up to £50 simple funding or £100 matched funding (if the children/young people raise their own money).

Some preference will be given to new initiatives but existing projects can also receive funding.

Preference will be given to churches with the Worcester Spirit Mark as this demonstrates that they are a children and youth friendly church.

Any group within the Diocese of Worcester working with children or young people in an Anglican setting can apply.

Some preference will be given to new initiatives but existing projects can also receive funding.

Funding is conditional on completing feedback on how the money was spent.

All applications will be considered on Funding will be allocated on 4th April. All applications must be received by last post on FRIDAY 1st April.

For further information contact:
DCYE
The Old Palace,
Deansway,
Worcester WR1 2JE.
education(at)cofe-worcester.org.uk
01905 732825

Child Protection Training Sessions

2011-02-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

VENUE DATE TIME

WORCESTER Abbots Kitchen Old Palace TUESDAY 15th FEBRUARY 7.30 – 9.30pm

STOURPORT, St Michael’s TUESDAY 15th MARCH 7.30 – 9.30pm

IPSLEY, St Peters Church Centre WEDNESDAY 11th MAY 7.30 – 9.30pm

PEDMORE, St Peters Centre WEDNESDAY 8th JUNE 7.30 - 9.30pm

DUDLEY, St Francis Church Centre WEDNESDAY 6th JULY 7.30 - 9.30pm

Paper WDYou out soon

2011-02-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Just a quick heads up that the Spring term WDYou is coming to you in the post soon. If you don't receive WDYou via post and would like to please contact me on sbrush(at)cofe-worcester.org.uk and we'll put you on our list.

Get into... The Prince's Trust

2011-01-06T04:51:00.001-08:00

The Princes Trust

Get Into Construction - Highways Maintenance

Do you know any young people aged 18 -25 who may have an interest in Construction and Highways Maintenance?

Are they unemployed?

Get Into Construction - Highways and Maintenance - Monday 24th January 2011 - Friday 4th February 2011

Interested young people will be invited to an Information session on Tuesday 18th January 2011 to if it's for them. (Times to be confirmed)

Get Started with Football

Do you know any young people aged 16-25 who are currently unemployed who may have an interest in Football?

Yes? Then Get them Started with The Prince's Trust on our motivating and rewarding FREE 5 day programme!

Get Started with Football - Monday 17th January 2011 - Friday 21st January 2011

Interested young people will be invited to a Taster session on Wednesday 12th January 2011, 9am-11am to if it's for them.

For more information about the above or to book a place on the courses, please email or call us on one of the numbers: 0121 689 6901, 07766417341 or The Prince's Trust freephone 0800 842 842 or email: neil.parker@princes-trust.org.uk or helen.marshall@princes-trust.org.uk

Community First Training

2011-01-06T04:49:00.000-08:00

'All Fired Up' - Leading An Effective Team

Wednesday 26thJanuary 2011 9.30am - 3.30pm

WGTA Sunnyside Road, Worcester, WR1 1RL

Community first is pleased to announce that Jackie Hughes of Worcestershire Group Training Association will be delivering this popular one day workshop, mapped to the National Occupational Standards in Leadership and Management.

The course will include:

• Leadership and Management styles

• Motivating and empowering team members

• Gaining the trust and support of team members

• Communication and it’s impact on morale and performance

• Effective delegation and objective setting

• Providing support and constructive feedback for team members

As an optional extra the workshop will provide you with the knowledge required to progress and gain accreditation for two units from the NVQ Management standards.

Training Course Prices:

Medium to Large Voluntary Sector Organisation (one or more full time paid staff)

Voluntary and Community – Sector A: £60 Community First members **(Join now for FREE) – Sector A: £25

Small Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation (less than one full time paid member of staff)

Voluntary and Community (no paid staff) – Sector B: £30 Community First members **(Join now for FREE) – Sector B: £10

Public & Private Sector

Public or Private – Sector C: £110 Community First members ** – Sector C: £90

Join Community First today to benefit from the member discounts:

**Community First Annual Membership: Bronze–FREE; Silver-£20; Gold-£50

(Gold members get an additional 10% off all Community First services, plus other benefits)

To secure your place complete the booking form and return it with your payment to Andrea Cooper at Community First as soon as possible.

Click here to download the Training Booking Form

Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire Bring London 2012 Closer to You

2011-01-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire 2012 (Raising our Game) Co-ordinators, David Moorcroft MBE and Christina Boxer present:

The Community Games

Join us to discover how you can bring the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics to your doorstep.

Date: Wednesday 19th January 2011 Time: 10.30am - 12.45pm Lunch & networking until 1.45pm

Venue: Malvern College Sports Complex, WR14 3EP

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games aren't just about four weeks of sport in London; they offer a fantastic opportunity for you to bring your community together. By taking part in sporting and cultural activities inspired by the Games, we can all celebrate London 2012!

The aim of Community Games is to bring as many people as possible together from towns, cities and villages right across the two counties. The initiative encourages those taking part to organise their Games in a way that works for them; some may focus chose to give the event a competitive edge, whereas others may prefer to give people the opportunity to try something new. Whatever the focus, it provides a unique opportunity for everyone to get involved.

As an influential member of your community we are seeking your involvement and would like to offer you:

*Inspiration and guidance on how you can organise such an event

*Information on funding, grants, resources, volunteering and collaboration with other key national and local events

Speakers and features include:

* David Moorcroft OBE, former Olympic Athlete and former 5000m world record holder

* Christina Boxer, Triple Olympian and Raising our Game Lead Ambassador

* Young sports volunteers being trained in a variety of multi skills and sports hall athletics

* Raising Our Game Inspired? Toolkit and Small Grant Scheme

Spaces are limited so don't miss out on this opportunity!

Book your place(s) now.

For more information.

The Christian Apprentice

2011-01-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Christian Apprentice course is a weekend residential course for girls who show leadership potential and their leaders. The course aims to encourage the girls in their faith, develop leadership skills and form new friendships. The course leader is Sharon Prior, who lectures on the Children’s and Youth Ministry course at Cliff College with Paul Wilcox. She is involved with the Sophia Network and Urban Saints, Sharon comes highly recommended.

The residential course will run from Friday 28^th January till Sunday 30^th January 2011. Transport, Food and equipment will be provided. The cost will be £100 per girl which includes a celebratory meal out at the end of the weekend.

It is intended that a female leader will attend with the girls from each church to mentor them during the weekend and after, for female leaders a contribution of £50 is asked to cover food and accommodation and travel, it is hoped that this will be a great time of fellowship and growth for leaders as well! It is not the intention that WASP will make any profit from the weekend, any surplus money will be returned.

Churches may wish to subsidise girls. In cases of hardship WASP would also be able to offer support. If you are unable to provide a female leader, WASP may also be able to support this.

We enclose a sample programme and a number of quotes from previous events.

We would like booking forms returned to Ashley at: Lindisfarne House, 4 Barbhourne Terrace, Worcester, WR1 3JS in order that final arrangements can be put into place.

Please prayerfully consider which girls would benefit from such a weekend and encourage them to join us. If you have any queries then please contact : zoesilvester@yahoo.co.uk

Lent Resources

2011-01-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

After their great Christmas resources, Spurgeons now have some Lent resources on offer. So for those of you already planning your Lent sessions, you may want to have a look.

Merry Christmas one and all!

2010-12-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Tryangle Awards

2010-12-02T02:57:00.000-08:00

The Tryangle Awards 2011 for Worcestershire are now open for nominations.

While the rest of the county is counting down to Christmas, Worcestershire County Council is counting down to receiving this year's annual Tryangle Awards nominations, launched on 1 December.

The county council is once again asking for nominations for any young person, aged between 11 and 19 years old, whose good work, courage or achievement would otherwise go unrecognised.

And it is making it even easier for people in Worcestershire to make their nominations, by inviting them to do it online via www.youthworcs.org.uk/tryangle

Nominations for the awards – which are in their sixth year – are welcome from anyone who is involved with young people, such as teachers, youth workers, sports coaches and volunteers, even family and friends put a young person forward for an award.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for education said: "The Tryangle Awards offer an excellent opportunity to put into the spotlight many young people who so often go unrecognised. The awards are a chance for us all to give those unsung heroes the recognition they deserve and highlight the hard work and value they bring to their communities here in Worcestershire.

"Now we need the help of Worcestershire's residents to put that spotlight on them."

People interested in finding out more or making a nomination should call Worcestershire County Council's Youth Support on 01905 765417.

Advent Conspiracy

2010-11-29T07:04:00.001-08:00

How about looking at Advent in a whole new way... as a conspiracy!

Nice theory shown in this video:

Advent Conspiracy from Morning Star Church on Vimeo.